The gunman accused of trying to enter the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner traveled across the country ahead of the annual event and is believed to be targeting members of the Trump administration, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday. Mr. Blanch also said authorities believe the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where it is understood he checked in as a guest at the hotel where Washington’s gala event was being held Saturday night.
The suspect who is believed to be in possession of a weapon has been identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. One officer was shot but was taken to hospital with his bulletproof vest. He faces charges including assault on an officer with a dangerous weapon, but Mr. Blanch said additional charges would be filed.
Law enforcement officials, who have examined the suspect’s electronic devices and his writings, initially believe the suspect intended to target members of the administration present at the dinner.
The suspect reportedly attempted to enter the cavernous ballroom, but was tackled to the ground in the chaos that resulted in shots being fired, the President donald trump He was escorted off the stage and the guests hid under their tables to hide.
Mr Blanch said the suspect was believed to have purchased the firearms he possesses over the past few years.
“It appears that they really intended to target people working in the administration, including possibly the president,” Mr. Blanch said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
