A suspected gunman who opened fire inside a Washington hotel during a high-profile political event has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, according to US law enforcement officials.
The incident took place at the Washington Hilton, where the prestigious White House Correspondents’ Dinner was being held on Saturday night.
Authorities say the suspect entered the hotel as a guest and was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Reports indicate that between five to eight shots were fired before security personnel intervened. Officers quickly responded and detained the suspect before he could move further into the venue. No major injuries have been reported so far.
According to Jeffery Carroll, the suspect appears to have acted alone. He was taken into custody and later transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Investigators believe the suspect may have intended to target officials from the administration of Donald Trump. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said preliminary findings suggest the attacker was aiming at high-ranking government officials, possibly including the president, although the exact motive is still under investigation.
US media reports suggest that the suspect may have written a document outlining his intentions, indicating plans to target officials “from highest-ranking to lowest.” Authorities have not fully verified these claims but are reviewing all available evidence, including his online activity and communications.
Allen is believed to be from Torrance, California, and has an academic background that includes studies at California Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has worked as a teacher and game developer in recent years.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are continuing their investigation. Officials say the suspect may have assembled the weapon inside the hotel and had travelled across multiple states before arriving in Washington DC. Authorities are also searching locations linked to him in California.
Prosecutors have confirmed that Allen is facing federal charges, including using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.
The incident has raised concerns about security at major political events, although officials say the quick response by security forces prevented a potentially more serious attack.
