The suspect accused of attempting to breach the White House Correspondents' Dinner and open fire is not cooperating with investigators, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed in a CNN interview.
The suspect, identified as California resident Cole Allen, allegedly traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago by train before continuing on to Washington, D.C. He checked into the Washington Hilton Hotel a couple of days before the April 24 incident and attempted to breach the event's security perimeter the following night.
Blanche stated that authorities have begun speaking with people who know Allen, but the suspect himself is not providing assistance. "We are not viewing him as cooperating necessarily right now," Blanche said, adding, "We'll see what happens going forward."
Despite the lack of cooperation, prosecutors are moving quickly. Allen is expected to be charged in federal court as early as tomorrow morning with two counts: using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro announced the charges.
According to CNN, a law enforcement official said Allen legally purchased both firearms—one in 2023 and another in 2025. The official added that Allen had not previously been on law enforcement's radar, and as part of standard security procedures, authorities had run the names of individuals staying at the hotel through government databases.
Investigators are working to piece together motive and intent as the case rapidly develops.