White House Gunman Was Targeting Trump Team, Says Official

Officials Detail Suspect’s Actions and Motives Ahead of Formal Charges

Law enforcement sources indicate that the individual involved in the recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident aimed to harm members of the Trump administration. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche provided updates during a live broadcast, revealing the suspect’s journey from California to Washington, D.C., via Chicago, before arriving at the event’s host hotel.

“It seems clear that the suspect intended to attack individuals associated with the administration, possibly including the president,” Blanche stated to NBC.

The gunfire erupted shortly after the dinner commenced at the Washington Hilton. A lone figure, who had been staying at the hotel, confronted Secret Service agents in the lobby, prompting a swift response. One agent was hospitalized, while the suspect was subdued and taken to the hospital for initial assessment.

“He failed,” Blanche remarked to CBS, emphasizing the success of law enforcement in neutralizing the threat.

The suspect, a 31-year-old man from California, was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives. His background includes a LinkedIn profile highlighting his work as a tutor and possession of a master’s degree. Additionally, he was noted for developing amateur video games. Investigators are examining his messages, devices, and writings to determine the motive behind the attack.

News outlets reported that the suspect had contributed $25 (€21) to Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign. Despite his initial non-cooperation, the suspect is scheduled to face formal charges in court on Monday. Earlier, he held a press conference at the White House, describing the shooter as a “lone wolf” and calling the event “traumatic.”

President Trump expressed gratitude for the quick actions of law enforcement, thanking them in a post on Truth Social. He also announced the dinner would be repeated within 30 days. International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, voiced concern, labeling the incident “unacceptable” and reaffirming support for the U.S. presidency.

Authorities maintained that their security protocols, described as “layered,” had effectively contained the threat. While some attendees criticized the level of preparedness, the Secret Service defended their measures as adequate.