Security officials cite ‘multi-layered protection’ at hotel that hosted the correspondents’ dinner

WASHINGTON — The suspect in a shooting just outside the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is believed to have been a guest at the hotel that was hosting the event, authorities said. 

The alleged gunman was detained Saturday night after he made it past the outermost layer of security with various weapons and apparently exchanged gunfire with law enforcement.

The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. Officials said Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives during the incident.

Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll said investigators believe Allen was staying at the hotel, which is how he was able to enter the property during the tightly controlled event.

Access to the Washington Hilton was restricted beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday ahead of the 8 p.m. dinner, which was attended by President Donald Trump.

Officials said entry was limited to hotel guests, ticket holders for the dinner, invited reception attendees or individuals with credentials from the White House Correspondents’ Association indicating affiliation with the event.

Despite those restrictions, Allen was able to enter the building before moving through security layers, officials said.

Security camera footage released by Trump on social media shortly after the incident showed a man running past officers near metal detectors that appeared to be in the process of being disassembled.

Officials said that once the president was seated inside the ballroom, additional attendees were not allowed into the secured area as security screening equipment was being taken down.

“It shows that our multi-layered protection works,” Secret Service Director Sean Curran said. 

Carroll also said the security plan for the event “did work this evening.”

The hotel hosted roughly 2,300 guests in its subterranean ballroom, all of whom passed through multiple additional screening steps, including ticket checks and magnetometers operated by the Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration.

Inside the ballroom, officials maintained an additional protective perimeter around the president, including a buffer zone separating him from other attendees, armored shielding under the head table and armed agents positioned throughout the room.

The Washington Hilton has long been a focal point for high-profile political events in Washington and has extensive security modifications tied to presidential visits.

The hotel was the site of the 1981 attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr., an attack that led to major security overhauls at the property.

Those changes include a secured presidential garage, a dedicated elevator and staircase for motorcade access, and a private suite reserved for presidential use during visits.

Law enforcement said the hotel’s layered security system — developed in coordination with the Secret Service over decades — was designed to manage threats at large political events.

Still, the incident is likely to renew scrutiny of security protocols surrounding major political gatherings, particularly as concerns about politically motivated violence have increased in recent years.

Investigators said they believe Allen acted alone, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation is continuing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.