WASHINGTON — A 31-year-old California man identified as Cole Thomas Allen is in custody after a shooting incident disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., late Saturday, as authorities investigate his background and possible motive.Officials said Allen was arrested after a security breach at the Washington Hilton, where U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, senior Cabinet members, and journalists were attending the annual event.Trump later described the suspect as “a very sick person” and said investigators believed he acted alone.According to authorities, Allen was armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives.Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeff Carroll said Allen was also a registered guest at the hotel.Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the suspect rushed a Secret Service checkpoint in the hotel lobby before being stopped by agents.During the confrontation, one officer was shot but survived after the bullet was stopped by a protective vest.“He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” Trump said, adding the officer was recovering well.Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted.One attendee told U.S. media that the suspect appeared to assemble a long firearm in a lightly monitored area near an entrance before running toward the ballroom.Guests reportedly took cover under tables as security teams responded.Authorities later transported Allen to a hospital for evaluation.U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the suspect faces two initial charges and is scheduled to appear in federal court on Monday.Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.FBI Director Kash Patel said agents had begun reviewing Allen’s background and would examine all available evidence.U.S. media reports said Allen studied computer science in California and previously worked as a tutor, though officials have not formally confirmed those details.
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