A 31-year-old man from California has been taken into custody following a shooting incident outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening. Authorities believe Cole Allen, of Torrance, California, deliberately targeted President Trump and members of his administration.
A detailed 1,000-word document linked to Allen has revealed his intentions, according to investigators. The document reportedly outlines perceived security failings that Allen claims allowed him to bring firearms – including a shotgun, handgun, and several knives – onto the premises. Allen was a registered guest at the hotel hosting the dinner.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed Allen is facing charges, including assaulting a federal officer and discharging a firearm.
Thankfully, a law enforcement officer who sustained a gunshot wound while on duty – and was wearing a bulletproof vest – has been discharged from the hospital.
The incident has not disrupted King Charles III’s planned state visit to Washington, which is due to begin on Monday. British Ambassador to the U.S. confirmed the four-day itinerary remains unchanged, including meetings with President Trump, a state dinner, and an address to Congress.
The dinner was attended by a significant portion of the US leadership, including Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth – representing five of the top six in the presidential line of succession. While Mr Blanche declined to comment on whether ‘designated survivor’ protocols were activated, he assured the public the suspect did not manage to approach any senior officials.
In a post on social media Sunday morning, President Trump stated the shooting “strengthens the case for a new White House ballroom.”
