A California man accused of opening fire at a gala dinner attended by U.S. President Donald Trump was set to appear in court on Monday following a violent attack in Washington that officials say may have targeted the president and senior administration figures.
The incident occurred on Saturday night at a hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where Trump and top officials, including Vice President JD Vance, were present. The shooting triggered panic as Secret Service agents rushed Trump out of the ballroom and guests took cover under tables.
Authorities said the suspect was quickly subdued after exchanging gunfire with security personnel. He was found armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and knives, and was staying at the same hotel where the event was being held.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect is expected to face federal charges in Washington and is not currently cooperating with investigators. He added that officials believe the attacker may have been targeting members of the administration, although no clear motive has yet been established.
Trump later described the suspect as acting alone and said he had written what officials described as an “anti-Christian” manifesto. He added that family members had previously raised concerns about him with law enforcement.
“The guy is a sick guy,” Trump said in an interview, adding that relatives had flagged his behaviour earlier.
The New York Post reported that the suspect, identified as Cole Allen, allegedly wrote a message to his family before the attack indicating that his targets would be prioritised based on rank.
Trump said he initially thought the sound of gunfire was something falling before realising an attack was underway. He later said one officer was shot but protected by a vest and was not seriously injured.
The president also questioned security at the venue, calling the hotel “not particularly secure,” while suggesting the attack supports his push for expanded White House security infrastructure.
This marks another attempted attack on Trump in recent years, following incidents at a 2024 rally in Pennsylvania and a separate case involving a firearm near a golf course in Florida.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a major annual media and political event, was disrupted as chaos unfolded inside the ballroom, which also hosted journalists, lawmakers, and senior officials.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as federal prosecutors prepare formal charges against the suspect.
