What we know about the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Hours after a gunman attempted to breach the White House Correspondents' Dinner, details are slowly emerging about who he is, and how he was able to get into the Washington Hilton where the dinner was held.

Two sources familiar with the matter say Cole Allen has been identified as the alleged gunman, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC's Meet the Press that Allen is believed to have been targeting administration officials.

The incident shocked Washington — and led to the safe evacuation from the scene of the president, much of his Cabinet, and members of Congress.

NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben and Ryan Lucas have more on the investigation into the shooting, while reporter Steve Futterman learned more about the suspect in his suburban-Los Angeles hometown.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at [email protected].

This episode was produced by Henry Larson. It was edited by Ashley Brown, Alfredo Carbajal, and Krishnadev Calamur. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.


See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy