U.S. Deputy Attorney, Todd Blanche, announced this morning that imminent charges will be brought against Cole Allen, the suspect in the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner that took place this Saturday at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington D.C.
Blanche appeared before the media at the White House alongside President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and FBI Director Kash Patel, following one of the most serious security incidents ever recorded at an event of this nature in the U.S. capital.
"This night, they witnessed the worst and the best of this country. The worst, due to the actions of that coward the president spoke about. But also the best, because they saw the law enforcement do exactly what they are supposed to do," declared Blanche.
Regarding the charges, the assistant prosecutor was straightforward: "I expect to see charges filed shortly. The charges should be clear given the behavior, but there will be multiple counts related to the shooting, possession of firearms, and everything we can charge him with."
Blanche also confirmed that federal agents were already executing search warrants, including at the suspect's residence in Torrance, California, even while she was speaking.
"The director Patel and I were at the crime scene recently, and everyone in this room should be assured that the Metropolitan Police, the FBI, and the Secret Service are on the ground doing their job," he added.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, specified the initial charges: two counts of using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, with more charges pending.
According to authorities, Allen burst in armed with multiple weapons at a Secret Service checkpoint around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, firing between five and eight shots before being able to access the main hall where around 2,600 guests were present.
A Secret Service agent was injured by a close-range shot, although his bulletproof vest protected him, and his recovery is expected.
Allen, a 31-year-old resident professor in Torrance, California, was subdued and detained at the scene without being injured by gunfire, although he was taken to a local hospital.
Trump, Melania Trump, Vance, and several cabinet members—among them Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel—were evacuated unharmed.
No fatalities or serious injuries among the attendees have been reported, and so far, authorities have not disclosed any specific motive for the attack.
The president also announced that the dinner, which was the first he attended as the sitting head of state, will be rescheduled in 30 days.
Blanche concluded her statement with a direct promise: "I assure you that justice will be served."
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