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The individual responsible for the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night has been identified as Cole Allen, hailing from Torrance, California.
Authorities have confirmed that the 31-year-old suspect, who is employed as a teacher, was taken into custody following the outbreak of gunfire near the main security screening area of the event shortly after 8:30 p.m.
Stay updated with The Post for the latest developments on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
According to reports, Allen managed to assemble a “long” firearm in a lightly supervised section close to the terrace-level entrance before he opened fire and made his way toward the ballroom.
Witnesses noted a “makeshift room” in proximity to the entrance where bar carts were stored, pointing out that there was an absence of security in that particular area at the time of the incident.
“He was in that room […] he grabbed it out of a bag or something,” said witness Helen Mabus, a volunteer working the event, adding that the weapon “was long” and “didn’t look like a typical gun.”
Witnesses described a frantic scene inside the venue after seven to eight shots were fired.
Attendees dove under tables as confusion spread. One journalist said guests “crawled under our table for what felt like a long time.”
President Donald Trump praised law enforcement for acting quickly.
“Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, where he posted a photo of the suspect.
“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” he added.
Law enforcement will soon search the suspect’s Torrance residence, according to the president.
Trump also said a Secret Service agent was shot at close range but is expected to recover.
The annual event has been delayed and will be rescheduled within 30 days, according to Trump.