Trump, officials were targets of suspect gunman at White House dinner, says acting attorney general
FBI worked through night, executing search warrants at locations and on devices recovered from suspect, who traveled by train from Los Angeles, Todd Blanche tells CBS News
“We do believe, based upon just a very preliminary start to understanding what happened, that he was targeting members of the administration,” Blanche said, while noting the suspect was not cooperating and that a full motive had not yet been determined.
Blanche said the FBI worked through the night, executing search warrants at locations and on devices recovered from the suspect. He said authorities believe the suspect, identified as Cole Allen, traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then on to Washington.
Blanche described the incident as a close call, saying Allen was apprehended “feet away from breaking the perimeter,” and praised the Secret Service for keeping those inside safe.
Law enforcement sources had earlier told CBS News that Allen told authorities after his arrest that he intended to target officials from the Trump administration. However, he did not name US President Donald Trump specifically, referring broadly to “administration officials.”
The incident took place at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the annual dinner was being held, prompting the evacuation of Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials.
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