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Gunman suspect, 31, at White House Correspondents' Dinner arrested
He was said to be armed with multiple weapons.
The shooter at the U.S. White House Correspondent Dinner on Apr. 26 (Singapore time) has been apprehended, the FBI said, as reported by AP News.
Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a teacher from Torrance, California.
According to AP News, Interim Washington DC police chief Jeffery Carroll said the gunman suspect was believed to be a hotel guest, and investigators believed he was working alone.
Carroll added that there “does not appear to be any sort of danger to the public” now.
Footage of the incident posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social showed Allen allegedly opening fire at an officer as he rushed past security checks outside of the Hilton Hotel ballroom where the dinner was taking place.
Gif via Trump/Truth Social
Armed with multiple weapons
According to the New York Post, a witness alleged she saw Allen grab his weapon "out of a bag or something".
Seven to eight shots were reportedly fired, sending the dinner attendees under the table as Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and others were evacuated out of the room.
Washington DC police said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives, reported AP News.
A law enforcement officer wearing a bulletproof vest was shot but is expected to recover.
Trump was unharmed.
At a press conference after the shooting, Trump said: "My impression is he was a lone wolf whack job", reported BBC.
Trump posts photo of suspect
Trump took to Truth Social at about 10:30pm local time (10:30am Singapore time) to post two uncaptioned photos of the suspect.
In the photo, a topless, moustached man with his hands seemingly restrained behind his back, lies face down on the carpet, surrounded by security personnel.
According to AP News, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the suspect is being preliminarily charged with two charges for using a firearm and assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon.
Pirro noted that more charges will be filed “based on the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation.”
Pirro added that the suspect will be formally charged before a federal district court on Monday.
Top images via Donald Trump/Truth Social
