Armed Man Attempts to Breach WHCA Dinner Security Checkpoint

An armed man carrying firearms and knives attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner on Saturday night, firing at a Secret Service agent before being subdued, according to a report by ABC News.

President Donald Trump told reporters that law enforcement responded quickly to the incident. (Photo: The White House)

President Donald Trump told reporters that law enforcement responded quickly to the incident. He said the annual dinner would be rescheduled within the next 30 days.

Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Allen, a tutor from Torrance, California.

He had reportedly booked a room at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held, earlier in April, according to Associated Press (AP). Authorities have not yet determined a motive.

“It is clear, based on what we know so far, that this individual was intent on doing as much harm as possible,” said Jeanine Pirro, identified as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

The incident occurred near the main magnetometer screening area, according to the U.S. Secret Service.