Gunman at Trump Event Identified as Hotel Guest, FBI Probes Motive

Suspect in shooting at Trump event in Washington identified as hotel guest; FBI investigates motive, background, and possible links.

Authorities have identified the suspect in a shooting near an event attended by Donald Trump as Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old California resident who was staying at the Washington Hilton where the incident occurred.

The shooting took place during a high-profile dinner attended by journalists, when the suspect reportedly opened fire while passing through a security checkpoint, prompting an immediate response from Secret Service agents. He was armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and knives, and was wounded before being taken into custody.

Trump said the attacker was some distance away and that he was unharmed, while U.S. media reported that a security officer was struck but protected by a ballistic vest and did not suffer injuries.

According to Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators are examining the suspect’s apartment, phone records, and contacts to determine whether he acted alone and to establish a motive, which remains unclear.

Reports from Fox News indicate the suspect had an academic background in engineering and computer science and had worked as a tutor and independent game developer.

Authorities have so far found no confirmed links to foreign actors, and Trump said he does not believe the incident was connected to Iran, as investigations continue.

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