Multiple media outlets are reporting that Cole Thomas Allen is in custody for the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
President Trump calls press dinner shooting a ‘terrible job’
President Trump called the suspect in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting a “lone wolf” and a “terrible job.”
Multiple state media outlets have reported that Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, is in custody in connection with the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by President Donald Trump and the first lady.
Allen’s name has been reported by the New York Times, CBS, and the Associated Press, citing anonymous law enforcement officials. USA TODAY has not independently confirmed the suspect’s name.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro told reporters that the suspect will be arraigned in U.S. District Court on April 27 on charges of assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during an assault. She would not rule out terrorism charges.
“If there is something like that, we will find it and submit it,” she said.
Trump, who was escorted from the banquet hall after gunshots were heard in the lobby, told reporters that the suspect made a “50-yard charge” to avoid security checkpoints and was carrying multiple weapons.
He posted security camera video of a person running past security guards and being pinned to the ground.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the suspect had long arms. D.C. police said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives. Officials said the man appeared to be acting alone.
(This story will be updated.)
