Suspect Allegedly Targeted Trump in Shooting Incident at Dinner, Say Officials

WASHINGTON: A shooting incident during a dinner attended by U.S. President Donald Trump has prompted a major security investigation, with authorities saying the suspected attacker may have been targeting the president.

According to the acting U.S. Attorney General, initial findings suggest the suspect acted alone and was staying at the same hotel where the incident occurred. The attacker allegedly intended to target government officials, including members of the Trump administration.

Officials said the suspect is currently not cooperating with investigators, and formal charges are expected to be filed on Monday.

U.S. media identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California. Reports indicate that he told authorities he aimed to attack officials associated with the Trump administration.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that the armed individual approached Secret Service personnel in the hotel lobby before being stopped by an officer.

Police Chief Pamela Smith said surveillance footage from the hotel will be reviewed to determine how the suspect managed to enter the premises with weapons. Authorities revealed that the suspect was carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.

Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation at the suspect’s residence and surrounding areas in Torrance, California.