WHCD Shooting
New Details About Alleged Gunman
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FBI Director Kash Patel spoke Monday afternoon about the man accused of opening fire during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and how authorities say he moved in the hours leading up to the terrifying attack Saturday night.
Patel spoke at a press conference alongside Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro after a magistrate signed off on the criminal complaint against alleged gunman Cole Allen.
The officials gave an official breakdown of the timeline leading up to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner … stating that Allen — a 31-year-old from Torrance, California — initially made his hotel reservation on April 6 — booking a three-night stay from April 24-26.
He then departed from Los Angeles by train last Tuesday and made a stop in Chicago on Thursday. The next day, he arrived in D.C. and checked into the Washington Hilton that afternoon.
At 8:40 PM on Saturday — after President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and other members of his cabinet had arrived to the Hilton — Allen approached a security checkpoint at the terrace level of the hotel, which is one floor above where the dinner was being held.
He ran through a security checkpoint holding a long gun … when secret service members hard a loud gunshot. One officer was shot in the chest, but he was wearing a ballistics vest. He fired five times at Allen, who was not shot but fell to the ground and was arrested.
Officials noted that Allen was not injured during the incident.
Allen was carrying a 12-gauge pump action shotgun, a .38 semi-automatic, at least three knives and “all kinds of paraphernalia,” Pirro said … adding that he purchased the guns in California.
Patel said, “America should be proud this FBI acted with the urgency that was needed for the moment we had to answer” and that “in less than 48 hours, you know almost every single thing we know. And what we have not told you yet, we will tell you in short order.”
He added: “This one hits a little differently. We were all there.”
Speaking to FOX News earlier Monday, Patel teased investigators have already pieced together Allen’s movements before the shooting.
Allen was formally arraigned today on three charges in D.C. federal court … including attempting to assassinate the president, transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He did not enter a plea.
Officials care still investigating the scene and interviewing anyone with relevant information, including the 2,600 people who were in attendance. They are also reviewing writings authorities described as a manifesto allegedly sent to family members minutes before the shooting.