WHCD attack suspect Cole Allen admits to law enforcement he was targeting Trump admin officials: report

Blanche later confirmed to CNN that Allen was targeting Trump administration officials.

"From our preliminary investigation," Blanche said, "it does appear the suspect was targeting members of the administration. I don't want to go beyond that because we don't have specifics yet about particular members of the administration, except that we do understand that that was his goal and his target."

Trump and First Lady Melania were rushed out of the Hilton hotel ballroom as shots rang out a little after 8:30 pm, sending all of those in attendance running for cover. Cole Allen, a teacher from California, is alleged to have stormed the security checkpoint and engaged in gunfire with Secret Service agents, one of whom was injured. Allen was apprehended at the scene and found to have been armed with knives and firearms.

Five to eight rounds were fired, CBS notes. Additional reporting came from the scene of the incident as so many journalists, pundits and reporters were in the room. After Trump left the hotel, he went straight to the White House briefing room where reporters gathered, still in their finery, to ask questions and get a first hand update on the assassination attempt they had all just witnessed.

Trump released surveillance video of the shooter as well as photos of Allen, who worked as a teacher in California. Allen was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and is believed to have been working alone. Allen was named Teacher of the Year by his employer C2 Education, a test prep and tutoring service. He was a 2017 graduate of Caltech and went on to earn a masters in computer science.

Speaking from the White House podium, US Attorney Dana Perino said that Allen faces two charges, using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. Allen will be arraigned in federal court on Monday. Acting AG Todd Blanche said "justice will be served."