Images have emerged for the first time showing the shotgun allegedly used by Cole Tomas Allen during the assault on the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The weapon was photographed on the patterned carpet of the Washington Hilton, the same location where the 31-year-old suspect was captured face-down and shirtless after being arrested by security personnel on Saturday night.
Details of the Incident
According to authorities, Allen brandished the shotgun as he attempted to sprint past security checkpoints to reach the main ballroom. Officials confirmed that the suspect was also armed with a handgun and multiple knives, with the alleged intention of targeting President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration.
Newly released images from after the incident show Allen wrapped in a mylar blanket, leaning against a marble column inside the hotel. DC Metro Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll stated, "We have secured a room here in the hotel, and again, we’ll go through the appropriate procedures to determine what was inside there." Investigators believe Allen had been staying as a guest at the hotel prior to the attack.
Suspect's Background
President Trump has described the suspect as a "lone wolf whack job" from California. Allen's professional background, which includes work as a mechanical engineer, an independent game developer, and a recently honored "Teacher of the Month" at a national tutoring service, is currently under scrutiny as federal agents work to establish a clear motive for the violent disruption.
