31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect accused of opening fire at a Washington media gala attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday is set to be arraigned in the U.S. capital on Monday, federal prosecutors have confirmed.
Allen, who exchanged gunfire with Secret Service agents but was not wounded, will appear before a U.S. District Court judge.
According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the charges will include using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Speaking after the incident, Trump said it would not deter him from pursuing the war effort in Iran, adding that he does not believe the attack is connected to the conflict.
“It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran. I don’t know if that had anything to do with it — I really don’t think so, based on what we know,” Trump told reporters during a White House briefing following the security breach.
However, the president earlier acknowledged that “you never know” and said investigators are still working to determine the shooter’s motive. He described the suspect as a “lone wolf.”
This medium reported that gunshots rang out on Saturday night during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel, shortly after the welcoming speech.
Security operatives responded immediately, as tactical teams with weapons drawn moved to the stage where Trump was seated alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other cabinet members.
The dignitaries were swiftly evacuated.
Hundreds of guests dressed in black tie took cover under tables before being ushered out through the hotel lobby as the event was abruptly postponed.
Authorities confirmed that no attendees or dignitaries were injured.
