The suspected gunman armed with 'multiple weapons' who attempted to storm the White House correspondents' dinner attended by President Donald Trump has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. Trump described the assailant as a 'lone wolf whack job' following the incident.
Chaos at the Washington Hilton
The White House Correspondents' Association dinner descended into chaos on Saturday night when the gunman tried to breach the event. Trump, who had previously been the target of an assassination attempt, was swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents. One police officer was shot but protected by his bulletproof vest and was taken to hospital.
Suspect's Weapons and Charges
Allen is believed to have been carrying a shotgun and a handgun. He was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel where the dinner was held. He faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that additional charges would be filed.
Trump praised the Secret Service for their quick response, stating that the suspect was not close to entering the ballroom where he was seated on stage. 'I saw a room that was just totally unified. It was, in one way, very beautiful,' Trump said. 'To see a man charge a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service, and they acted very quickly.'
Investigation and Reaction
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said she had 'no reason' to believe anyone else was involved. Blanche added, 'Tonight you saw the very worst and the very best of this country. You saw the very worst by the actions of that coward… but you also saw the very best because you saw law enforcement do exactly what they’re supposed to do. I promise you justice will be served.'
Trump announced that the event would be rescheduled within the next 30 days. The Washington Hilton was also the site of a previous attempted presidential assassination in 1981, when President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. outside the hotel, leading to increased security measures at the property.
