Donald Trump has branded the White House Correspondents’ Dinner gunman a “wackjob” after a California schoolteacher was identified as the suspect.Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance near Los Angeles, allegedly breached a security checkpoint before attempting to reach the ballroom where the President and other senior officials were gathered.Armed officers moved quickly to subdue the suspect, wrestling him to the ground and placing him in handcuffs moments after he penetrated the security perimeter.Mr Allen, who is believed to have been staying at the hotel as a guest, was seen in surveillance footage sprinting towards the ballroom doors after bypassing screening.
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Police recovered a cache of weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun and several knives, according to the President. Mr Trump later released an image showing the suspect lying shirtless and face down on the floor after being detained.US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro confirmed the suspect has been charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence, as well as assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.He is due to appear in federal court on Monday, with further charges expected.“It is clear… this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could,” Ms Pirro said.At a press conference, Mr Trump branded the attacker “a sick person – a very sick person” and “a lone wolf, a wack job”.CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, who was just metres from the gunman, described the moment shots rang out.“The noise was so loud. I was a few feet away from the gunman who was shooting randomly,” he said.DONALD TRUMP – READ THE LATEST:Donald Trump slammed for ‘lashing out’ at the UK after Iran ‘misadventure’ with Falklands threatDonald Trump cancels US trip to Pakistan at 11th hour as Iran peace talks plunge into chaosDonald Trump’s bombshell UFO files reveal ‘reality-bending secrets’ from bone-chilling incidents“Next thing I knew, a couple of police officers were jumping on me trying to protect me.”Metropolitan Police interim chief Jeffrey Carroll confirmed officers tackled the suspect, adding that he exchanged gunfire with police but was not hit.Secret Service agents swiftly secured the venue and escorted Mr Trump from the scene as he prepared to address the dinner.The President briefly stumbled during the evacuation but was helped to his feet and taken to safety.Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were also safely evacuated.Witnesses said attendees ducked for cover, with some later singing “God Bless America” as the evacuation unfolded.One Secret Service agent was struck in the chest – protected by a bulletproof vest – and is not believed to have sustained any serious injuries.No other injuries were reported.National Guard troops were deployed to secure the venue as authorities carried out sweeps of the scene.
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