Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed Sunday that investigators believe a Secret Service agent was shot by a California man who traveled across the country to target members of the Trump administration.
The gunman was stopped after running through a security checkpoint inside the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The agent, who was hit during the confrontation, was saved by his body armor.
Blanche told “Face the Nation” moderator Margaret Brennan that the president spoke with the agent Saturday night. “The president gave him words of encouragement and appreciation,” Blanche said, noting the officer was “in very good spirits” and that the vest helped avoid a tragedy.
READ: Security Breach Or Systematic Failure? The Armed Incursion At The WHCA Dinner Explained
The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Allen, allegedly journeyed from Los Angeles to D.C. by train, with a stop in Chicago, before checking into the Hilton. While Allen is not currently cooperating with the investigation, Blanche said authorities are speaking with witnesses to determine his exact motivation.
Currently, Allen faces charges of assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm during a violent crime. However, Blanche hinted that more serious charges “could be in play” as the investigation into his premeditation continues.
Allen is slated to appear before a federal judge on Monday.
The administration has signaled that this security breach will not change the president’s public routine. Blanche was firm that the actions of this “lone man” would not result in a retreat from the public eye.
“If one of his goals was to get us to be scared, he failed,” Blanche said. “It will not stop him from doing his job. And not only him, but the vice president, the Cabinet, the law enforcement, you all journalists, you’re not going to stop doing your jobs either.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
