The FBI raided the home of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter early Sunday, and investigators have said they are now examining his financial records as part of the probe.
Chaos broke out inside the Washington Hilton after Cole Tomas Allen opened fire in the lobby Saturday night at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, DC.
The Secret Service rushed into action, securing President Donald Trump and thousands of guests attending the black-tie gala that brings politicians and journalists together.
A law enforcement official familiar with the investigation told the Daily Mail they believe Allen acted alone and are tracing his finances to determine how he paid for the hotel stay.
Authorities gathered outside a California home linked to Allen, blocking off a residential street in Torrance with caution tape.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that the gunman traveled from Los Angeles to DC, with a transfer in Chicago, via train. He checked into the Hilton on Thursday, Blanche said on CNN.
Photos from the raid showed law enforcement in tactical gear and armored vehicles lining the street as officers assessed the scene, with officials telling the Daily Mail they were working to access Allen’s car.
A source told the Daily Mail that this shooting had likely been planned for a while.
‘Obviously, this was well planned. Getting the reservation at that hotel was nearly impossible,’ they told Daily Mail.
FBI agents and police officers work outside the residence associated with Cole Tomas Allen
An FBI tactical team prepares to enter a house associated with the suspected White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter in Torrance, California
FBI officers leave the scene after responding to an address connected to Allen
‘What else did he buy? Where did he go? We’re going back to where he lives. They were already there last night. They were waiting on a search warrant. Same at the hotel room,’ they said.
Investigators are also looking into the shooter’s motive, operating on the theory he may have been targeting President Trump and people in his administration.
‘As far as I know he was the only person in his room. I don’t know when he checked in. It was definitely not yesterday. Not sure if Friday or Thursday,’ the source told the Daily Mail.
Allen, a 31-year-old teacher, faces firearms and assault charges after he allegedly breached a security checkpoint and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement.
Police revealed the suspect had a number of weapons on him including a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
Chilling surveillance footage captured the moment the suspect stormed past security.
‘He was on the outermost layers of security,’ the source said of how close the shooter was. ‘He charged that outermost layer. That’s when our guy engaged him.
Police officers and FBI agents stand in front of the media gathered outside Allen’s home
The California home of Allen that the FBI raided
Allen is seen after he was tackled to the ground and handcuffed by authorities
Allen, a teacher from Torrance, California, was tackled to the ground and arrested after running past security with a gun in hand
House Speaker Mike Johnson being rushed out of the venue by secret service members
Harrowing surveillance footage captured the moment gun-wielding shooter Cole Tomas Allen stormed past security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both rushed off stage from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton. They are seen during the National Anthem
‘He was not shot. I’m still unclear who shot where. We’re operating under the premise that he fired rounds and our guy returned fire, but we’re going to let ballistics help us out and tell the full account,’ they added.
When asked about hotel security for guests arriving days before the event, the source said the focus is on securing the area and screening everyone entering and exiting.
Blanche also added he was unsure about how the suspect snuck in a firearm into the hotel.
‘We’re still looking at video surveillance and footage of where he walked and how he got in and how those firearms got in, but at the end of the day, I expect we’ll have a lot more about that in the coming days,’ he told ABC.
President Trump shared a stunning image shortly after the shooting, showing the suspect shirtless and lying face down on the carpet
During a press conference, Trump described him as ‘a sick person, a very sick person.’
‘He’s a lone wolf, a whack job. These are crazy people. Sick, sick people.’ Trump also posted a message on his Truth Social platform praising the response.
‘Quite an evening in DC. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.’
Organizers initially considered resuming the dinner, but officials ultimately decided to cancel the event.
