‘Trump and administration officials’: Acting AG reveals who was the gunman’s target in WH shooting
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that investigators believe the gunman who tried to enter the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was targeting members of the Trump administration.“It appears that he really targeted people who worked in the administration, possibly including the president,” Blanch told Meet the Press.Law enforcement officials who examined the suspect’s electronic devices and writings initially believe his intent was to target members of the administration attending the dinner. He attempted to enter the ballroom, but was thrown to the ground in a chaotic scene that resulted in shots being fired, President Donald Trump being escorted off the stage and guests hiding under tables.Blanch said authorities believe the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where he checked in as a guest at a hotel hosting a high-profile event Saturday night.Investigators have not publicly released the suspect’s name, but two law enforcement officials familiar with the case identified him to The Associated Press as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance. Police also visited Allen’s California home.Blanch said the suspect is believed to have purchased the firearms he possesses over the past few years. He said the suspect is “not actively cooperating” with the investigation and is expected to face multiple charges on Monday.“At this point it appears he is a lone actor, a lone gunman,” D.C. Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said.
