Authorities have identified Cole Allen of California as the suspect in the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Law enforcement officials said Cole Allen is from Torrance and is believed to have booked a room at the Hilton hotel in early April.
Officials said Allen is refusing to answer questions but allegedly made comments about targeting administration officials, though no specific individuals were named.
Police said the suspect was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
The incident happened around 8:36 p.m. ET when Allen allegedly charged a United States Secret Service checkpoint at the hotel where the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was being held.
Gunfire was exchanged with officers, and a Secret Service officer was struck in a protective vest before being taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the suspect was not hit by gunfire and was transported to hospital for evaluation.
Jeanine Pirro said the suspect faces federal charges including using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Investigators are continuing to examine the motive behind the attack.
READ ALSO: https://alo360.net/gunfire-washington-dc-ballroom-white-house-correspondents-dinner/