U.S. officials believe a man apprehended at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner intended to harm President Trump and his administration.
Attacker Targeted Trump and Administration
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated in an interview with NBC News that the suspect detained Saturday during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner likely intended to kill members of Donald Trump’s administration and the president himself.
Initial findings suggest the attacker specifically targeted individuals within the administration, potentially including President Trump, according to Blanche’s statement on “Meet the Press.” He cautioned that these are “preliminary” assessments and the investigation into the suspect’s motives is ongoing, potentially taking several days to complete.
Suspect’s Intent Confirmed in Further Interviews
In a subsequent interview with CNN, Blanche, also the acting Attorney General, reiterated the assessment regarding the suspect’s intentions, though he admitted there is currently no specific information available.
“We don’t have specifics on individual members of the administration, other than we understand that (attacking them) was his target,” he said.
Security Breach: “Barely Made It Through the Perimeter”
Prosecutors are also investigating reports that the suspect deposited his shotgun inside the hotel. Addressing security measures at the event, the prosecutor noted the attacker “barely made it through the security perimeter.”
“And by barely, I mean within a few feet,” Blanche emphasized in the NBC interview.
Incident Captured on Video
Footage released by President Trump shows the suspect quickly running past a Secret Service checkpoint, after which officers began pursuing him.
Suspect Identified and Charges Pending
The attacker has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen from Torrance, California. Blanche stated the suspect likely traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, then to Washington D.C. Allen is expected to face charges on Monday.
King Charles Visit Unaffected
Blanche expressed confidence that Saturday’s incident will not impact Monday’s visit by British King Charles III to the White House.