Arabic version: تم التعرف على المشتبه به في إطلاق النار خلال عشاء الصحافة

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance in the Los Angeles region, California, has been identified as the suspect arrested following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton hotel. According to BBC News, Allen allegedly expressed intentions to target officials in the Trump administration.

The incident occurred Saturday night, where at least five to eight gunshots were reported. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that preliminary investigations suggest Allen aimed to shoot administration officials, likely including President Donald Trump. Security agents detained him shortly after the shots were fired, and he was taken to the hospital for evaluation, though he was not injured during the exchange of gunfire.

Reports indicate that Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives at the time of the incident. Washington’s interim police chief, Jeffery Carroll, confirmed that Allen appears to be a lone actor. Security footage showed him rushing past security before being apprehended by law enforcement.

In the aftermath, Trump commented on the situation, suggesting that Allen harbored deep-seated hatred and had a manifesto indicating his targets. US media have reported that this document outlined his intentions to harm members of the Trump administration, though guests and hotel staff could be collateral damage.

Allen, who reportedly has a history of anti-Trump sentiments on social media, is facing charges for using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer. He is expected to be formally charged in federal court on Monday.