Authorities in the United States have brought federal charges against a man arrested in connection with a shooting scare during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C..
The U.S. Attorney for the district, Jeanine Pirro, confirmed that the suspect is facing two charges, including using a firearm in the course of a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
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She explained that a Uniformed Secret Service officer was shot during the incident but is expected to recover. Pirro added that preliminary findings suggest the suspect intended to cause significant harm, but security measures at a checkpoint outside the ballroom prevented further casualties.
According to reports, the suspect—identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California—was apprehended after allegedly rushing toward the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the event was taking place.
Media outlets including BBC and CBS News reported that the suspect may have been staying at the hotel, with his room now secured for investigation.
The acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, Jeffery W Carroll, disclosed that the suspect was heavily armed, carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives at the time of his arrest.
He noted that there is no ongoing threat to the public, although security has been tightened across the city, with more officers deployed for related gatherings and after-parties linked to the event.
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said formal charges would be filed shortly.
Officials also confirmed that the suspect is currently receiving medical care in a hospital while in police custody.
The shooting took place on Saturday night during the high-profile dinner, which was attended by senior government officials, journalists, and other prominent figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.
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