Suspect to face federal charges after shooting scare at Washington dinner

Authorities in the United States have filed federal charges against the suspect arrested over the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Attorney for Washington, Jeanine Pirro, said the suspect is facing two counts, including use of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.

She said, “Right now, the defendant is being charged with two counts, 924C, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and a second crime under 111, which is assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.

“Now, as you all know, there was an individual, a Uniformed Secret Service officer, who was shot, and fortunately he is doing all right and he will be fine.

“But it is clear, based upon what we know so far, that this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could and thankfully, because of the checkpoint right outside the ballroom, where thousands of people were situated to hear the President of the United States, because that checkpoint worked, there was no one who was injured, and it was clear where this defendant was going.”

The suspect, identified by U.S. media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was apprehended after he reportedly ran toward the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held.

According to BBC and its U.S. partner CBS News, the suspect is believed to have been a guest at the hotel, with his room now secured as part of the investigation.Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, Jeffery W Carroll, said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives.

“He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives,” he says.

He added that there is currently no ongoing threat to the public, although additional security personnel have been deployed around the city following the incident.

He is asked if there are any security changes to related events around the US capital that typically follow the White House Correspondents Dinner. He says there is no reason to believe anyone else is in danger but there are extra officers out and about tonight for events such as after-parties.

Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect would be formally charged “very soon.”

Officials also confirmed that the suspect is receiving treatment in a hospital while remaining in police custody.

The shooting occurred on Saturday night during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, attended by top government officials, journalists, and dignitaries, including President Donald Trump.

Investigations into the motive behind the attack are ongoing.