Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche disclosed on Sunday that the individual suspected of opening fire at the White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday made his way from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., by train. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Blanche told host Dana Bash that the suspect traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago, then continued to the nation’s capital, checking into the Washington Hilton hotel on Thursday—two days before the gala.
The suspect, identified by multiple outlets as 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California, allegedly exchanged gunfire with law enforcement at the annual dinner. The Hill has not independently confirmed his identity. President Trump posted a photo on Truth Social showing Allen shirtless and lying on the ground with his hands behind his back after the incident.
According to Trump, Allen struck one officer, who was saved by a bulletproof vest. Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll told reporters Saturday that the suspect was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. The chaos forced the evacuation of the dinner, with Trump and other attendees rushed to safety. The scene descended into panic and confusion as guests sheltered under tables.
Blanche noted that FBI agents worked through the night alongside state and local law enforcement, including in Los Angeles, executing search warrants on devices believed to belong to the suspect. While investigators are still probing a motive, Blanche said the preliminary evidence indicates the suspect was targeting members of the Trump administration. “We don’t have specifics yet about particular members of the administration, except that we do understand that that was his goal and his target,” he added.
Blanche confirmed that investigators have begun interviewing individuals who knew Allen, but the suspect is not cooperating with law enforcement. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced Saturday that Allen will be arraigned Monday on two charges: using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Additional charges may follow, Blanche said, depending on a fuller understanding of his motive and premeditation.
The attack has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. Trump praised the media and WHCA leadership for their composure, while officials underscored the risks faced by those in public life. The incident also highlighted security vulnerabilities at high-profile Washington events, as the suspect managed to travel cross-country and check into the venue hotel days in advance without detection.
As the investigation continues, Blanche emphasized the need to build a thorough case. “That requires us to go through the evidence and develop a case, which the FBI is working on now,” he said. The suspect’s travel route and extended stay in Washington are expected to be key focal points as authorities piece together his planning and intent.
