The gunman who attempted to break into a press gala in Washington attended by Donald Trump appeared to be targeting senior members of the U.S. administration, the Justice Department said Sunday, while the president described the attacker as a “lunatic.”
“Very preliminary” information suggests the man “was targeting members of the administration,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told CBS.
The suspect “is not actively cooperating,” but investigators believe he traveled to Washington by train from Los Angeles via Chicago, Blanche said. He was present at the dinner alongside hundreds of others. Secret Service agents evacuated Donald Trump after shots were fired, and the suspect was arrested before entering the room where the annual event gathering political and media elites was taking place.
According to police, the attacker carried two firearms and multiple knives, and shots were exchanged. A law enforcement officer was struck by gunfire but was protected by a bulletproof vest. The suspect was not injured.
“This is not the first time in recent years that our Republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin seeking to kill,” Trump said during a press conference at the White House about two hours later.
He referenced the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, suggesting the attacker may have targeted him due to dissatisfaction with his policies. Presidents “who have the most impact” are “the ones who are targeted,” he said.
Trump also described the suspect, whose identity has not been officially confirmed, as a “lone wolf” and a “lunatic.”
World leaders reacted quickly, expressing shock and support. King Charles III said he was “relieved” that Trump was safe, ahead of his state visit to the United States.
According to U.S. media, the suspect is a 31-year-old man, Cole Tomas Allen, from Torrance, California.
He is expected to appear in court on Monday and faces two charges: use of a firearm during a violent crime and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Security footage shared by Trump on Truth Social shows a person rushing through a metal detector at the entrance to the gala, while several officers draw their weapons.
Trump criticized the Washington Hilton hotel, saying it was “not a particularly secure building,” although he acknowledged that the security setup “was very secure.”
It was outside this same hotel that President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981 during an assassination attempt.
The annual dinner of the White House Correspondents’ Association had just begun when commotion erupted at the doors, AFP journalists reported.
Shouts of “Get down! Get down!” were heard.
Guests immediately lay down or knelt on the floor, many recording with their phones.
Secret Service agents entered the room heavily armed.
AFP footage shows Trump seated at the head table alongside Vice President JD Vance and press secretary Karoline Leavitt as loud noises are heard without immediate reaction.
Security agents quickly intervened and evacuated the president. The music stopped as other agents appeared to aim their weapons toward the audience.
The gala, which gathers hundreds of attendees each spring, will be rescheduled, Trump said.
