Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche shared 'premilinary' findings.

14:14, Sun, Apr 26, 2026 Updated: 20:19, Sun, Apr 26, 2026

U.S. Secret Service agents surround President Donald Trump during the incident

U.S. Secret Service agents surround President Donald Trump during the incident (Image: AP)

The accused gunman who allegedly tried to storm the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night is believed to have intended to target members of the Trump administration, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday. Mr Blanche also said officials believe the suspect travelled across the country before the yearly event.

The suspect is believed to have headed by train from California to Chicago and then on to Washington, where he is understood to have checked in as a guest to the hotel where one of Washington’s glitziest events was being held Saturday night. The suspect, said to have been carrying weapons, has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.

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The suspect faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but Mr Blanche said additional charges will be filed.

Law enforcement officials who have examined the suspect's electronic devices and his writings preliminarily believe the suspect intended to target administration members in attendance at the dinner.

“It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president,” Mr Blanche told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

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The suspect allegedly attempted to charge into the cavernous ballroom but was reportedly tackled to the ground.

As the incident unfolded, President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage and guests ducked for cover beneath their tables.

No Trump Administration official was harmed during the incident, it is believed. One officer who was shot during the incident but was protected by his bulletproof vest was taken to hospital.

The suspect is believed to have purchased the firearms he allegedly carried within the last couple of years, Mr Blanche said.