California Man Charged After Shooting at Officers During White House Correspondents' Dinner

A 31-year-old man from Torrance, California, has been identified as the suspect who opened fire at law enforcement officers during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, authorities said. The suspect, named by a federal official as Cole Thomas Allen, allegedly rushed a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives before running toward the ballroom where the event was underway, according to Metropolitan Police Department interim chief Jeff Carroll.

Police said Allen exchanged gunfire with officers and was tackled to the ground. No injuries were reported for the suspect, while a Secret Service officer was struck in the bulletproof vest and later released from a local hospital. Authorities stated that Allen has no known criminal record and was not previously on law enforcement's radar in Washington, D.C. His motives remain unclear.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Allen will face charges including two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, with additional charges expected. The FBI and Secret Service were preparing to serve a search warrant at a residence in Torrance believed to be connected to Allen, officials said.

Allen is expected to be arraigned Monday in federal court. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.