White House Correspondents’ Dinner suspect Cole Thomas Allen’s ‘likely targets’ emerge | World | News

The gunman who tried to storm the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was traveling around 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. Blanche also said authorities believe the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where he was found to have checked in as a guest at the hotel where one of Washington’s most glamorous events was being held on Saturday night.

The suspect, who was said to be carrying a gun, was identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. A police officer who was shot but protected by his bulletproof vest was taken to hospital. Mr. Blanche, who faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, said additional charges would be filed.

Law enforcement officers, who examined the suspect’s electronic devices and writings, initially believed that the suspect intended to target the management members who attended the dinner.

The shooting led to the shooting after the suspect allegedly tried to storm the massive ballroom but was knocked to the ground in a chaotic scene, the President said. Donald Trump He is rushed off the stage and the guests take shelter under their tables.

Mr Blanche said the suspect was believed to have purchased the firearms he was carrying within the last few years.

“In fact, it appears that he was attempting to target people who work in the administration, possibly including the president,” Mr. Blanche told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”