What we know about the suspect in shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner
Key Points:
- Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old educator from Torrance, California, attempted to attack the White House Correspondents' Dinner with multiple weapons, firing at least five to eight shots, but was apprehended without serious injuries to attendees; a Secret Service agent was wounded but is expected to recover.
- Officials discovered a written manifesto expressing anti-Trump and anti-Christian sentiments, indicating Allen targeted Trump administration officials; investigators are reviewing his writings and social media as part of the ongoing investigation.
- Allen held degrees in mechanical engineering from Caltech and a master's in computer science, worked as a part-time teacher and video game developer, and had a history of firearm ownership and training; he reportedly made radical statements and was involved in activist groups.
- Authorities plan to charge Allen with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, with more charges possible pending further investigation into his motive and intent.
- The FBI and Secret Service are conducting criminal and background investigations; Allen is believed to have acted alone, was taken to a hospital for evaluation, and will be arraigned in federal court with an indictment expected soon.