Investigators in the United States say the gunman who attempted to breach a high-profile dinner attended by Donald Trump may have been aiming for top government officials, raising fresh concerns about security at the event.
The incident happened Saturday night at a media gala in Washington, where Trump was present alongside other senior officials. The president was quickly evacuated from the venue by Secret Service agents as the situation unfolded.
In a video later shared by Trump, the suspect was seen trying to rush past a security checkpoint before armed guards moved in to stop him. An exchange of gunfire followed, after which the suspect was arrested at the scene.
Speaking on Sunday, acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said early findings suggest the attacker had specific targets within the administration.
“From what we have gathered so far, it appears he was targeting members of the administration,” Blanche said, noting that the suspect has not been cooperating with investigators.
He added that the suspect is expected to be formally charged in federal court on Monday.
Authorities said the man was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives, and had been staying at the same Washington Hilton hotel where the event took place.
Investigators also revealed that he travelled across multiple cities — from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington — before the attack, and had acquired the weapons over the past few years.
The incident caused panic at the event, with guests scrambling for safety as security agents flooded the hall. Among those present were the First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members and several high-profile guests.
Trump later told reporters he initially thought the noise was something minor before realising it was gunfire. He described the suspect as a possible “lone wolf” but acknowledged that investigations were still ongoing.
A Secret Service officer who was hit during the incident was protected by his vest and is said to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, security agencies have begun reviewing how the suspect was able to get so close to the event, especially given the high-profile nature of those in attendance.
The suspect, identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, is also being linked to a residence in California, where authorities have carried out further checks.
The incident has once again drawn attention to security at major political gatherings in the US, especially as it comes ahead of an important diplomatic visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Investigations are ongoing.
