WASHINGTON — The gunman who opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night has been identified as Cole Allen of Torrance, Calif. — with President Trump calling him a likely “lone wolf whackjob.”
The 31-year-old, whom a federal law enforcement source confirmed is a teacher, was arrested after gunfire broke out near the Washington event’s main security screening area just after 8:30 p.m. as salad was being serviced to the president and much of his cabinet.
Allen opened fire and rushed toward the ballroom, shooting a law enforcement officer who was wearing a bulletproof vest.
“He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives as he ran into that checkpoint,” DC police chief Jeffrey Carroll said.
“At this point it does appear he is a lone actor, a lone gunman,” Carroll said. “There does not appear to be any sort of danger to the public.”
A described a “makeshift room” near the entrance where bar carts were being stored and where “there was no security” at the time.
“He was in that room […] he grabbed it out of a bag or something,” said witness Helen Mabus, a volunteer working the event, adding that the weapon “was long” and “didn’t look like a typical gun.”
Witnesses described a frantic scene inside the venue after seven to eight shots were fired.
Attendees dove under tables as confusion spread. One journalist said guests “crawled under our table for what felt like a long time.”
President Donald Trump praised law enforcement for acting quickly.
“Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, where he posted a photo of the suspect.
“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” he added.
Law enforcement will soon search the suspect’s Torrance residence, according to the president.
Trump also said a Secret Service agent was shot at close range but is expected to recover.
The annual event has been delayed and will be rescheduled within 30 days, according to Trump.
