Suspected gunman targeted Trump, officials say, after White House attack

Investigators say the man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was likely aiming at President Donald Trump and members of his administration, turning one of Washington’s most protected social-political events into a security failure under the glare of national attention.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that the suspected gunman’s writings and electronic devices led investigators to believe the attack was not random. Law enforcement also found a note sent to family members about 10 minutes before the assault, apologizing for what he was about to do and indicating administration officials were the targets. The suspect is expected to face charges Monday including assault on a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence, and officials said more charges could follow after arraignment.

Multiple outlets identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. Officials say Allen traveled by train from California to Chicago and then on to Washington, where he checked into the Washington Hilton in recent days before the Saturday night attack. Armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives, Allen rushed a security checkpoint near the dinner, exchanged gunfire with law enforcement and was tackled to the ground near the packed ballroom.

The attack injured one Secret Service officer, who was struck in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover. No one else was hurt. Officials said Allen is not cooperating, and investigators are still trying to determine how he got firearms into the hotel and how he moved so close to the event before being stopped.

The White House Correspondents’ Association called the shooting “a harrowing moment” and thanked the Secret Service and other law enforcement officers for protecting people in the ballroom and beyond. Trump said the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days. The planned events tied to the gala were later canceled as the focus shifted to the security breach, the suspect’s alleged target list and the gap that allowed an armed man to reach the perimeter of an event crowded with senior officials, journalists and guests.