Authorities say the person arrested after shots were fired near Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner is in custody and receiving hospital treatment. Three sources told CBS News the suspect is 30-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California.
Video from the scene at the Hilton shows a man charging a security checkpoint and sprinting toward the ballroom, where journalists, politicians and the president were gathered, before law enforcement officers tackled him. Photos and footage show the suspect face down with his hands restrained by zip ties.
Officials say the suspect carried at least two weapons — a shotgun and a handgun — and managed to fire rounds after breaching the security cordon. The response, which included the Secret Service and other law enforcement, was quick; the president later praised that response and said he had been told to leave even though he wanted to remain and speak.
Inside the ballroom, attendees described scenes of fear and chaos as people were evacuated; some were escorted along a route that passed protesters outside the venue. Reporters noted the incident against the backdrop of repeated political violence targeting public figures, and that some guests themselves have been victims of past attacks. Signs were visible among demonstrators outside the hotel.
Investigators continue to examine the suspect’s background, how he was able to approach the event so closely and whether anyone in the ballroom was singled out. No motive has been established at this time.