Investigators have identified a 31-year-old man from California as the suspect in the shooting near the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, in an incident that triggered a massive security response but left no fatalities.
According to reports cited by The New York Times, the suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a resident of Torrance, California. Authorities believe he acted alone and is now facing multiple federal charges related to firearms offences and the attack.
The incident took place at the Washington Hilton, where the high-profile annual dinner was being held. The suspect allegedly attempted to breach a security checkpoint near the screening area but did not make it into the ballroom, where Donald Trump and hundreds of guests were present.
Law enforcement officials said Allen was heavily armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives when he charged toward the checkpoint at around 8:36 p.m. He reportedly fired several rounds before being tackled and subdued by Secret Service agents and other officers within the hotel complex.
A Secret Service officer was struck during the exchange of gunfire, but the bullet hit a protective vest. Officials said the officer was taken to hospital and is expected to recover.
Speaking after the incident, Trump described the suspect as "a sick person" and indicated that early assessments pointed to a lone attacker. "They seemed to think he's a lone wolf, and I feel that too," he said, while cautioning that the investigation is still ongoing.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said prosecutors are preparing multiple charges, including firearms violations and offences linked to the shooting. "There will be multiple charges... the investigation has just started," he noted.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the suspect is already facing charges, including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer. Additional charges, such as attempted murder, could be added as more evidence emerges.
Jeff Carroll, Washington's interim police chief, said officers quickly engaged the suspect and brought him to the ground. "Members of the United States Secret Service intercepted that individual," he said, crediting their rapid response.
Authorities emphasised that the suspect never reached the ballroom, calling the layered security system a critical factor in preventing a potentially mass-casualty incident.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said there is no indication of additional suspects. "We have no reason to believe at this time that anyone else was involved," she said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the probe, with agents analysing ballistic evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and examining the suspect's background and digital footprint. Officials are also investigating how he managed to access the hotel with multiple weapons and have secured a room believed to be linked to him.
Kash Patel urged the public to share any relevant information, saying, "No piece of information is too small."
Officials confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public. However, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators are exploring whether it was driven by ideological, political, or personal factors.
The White House Correspondents' dinner is considered one of the most tightly secured events in Washington, attended by senior political leaders, journalists, and public figures. Authorities said the fact that the suspect was stopped before entering the main venue will be central to the case.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned in federal court in the coming days as the investigation continues.
