Washington, April 26, (dpa/GNA) – Details are emerging about the identity of the man who stormed through a security screening at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, forcing US President Donald Trump’s evacuation and prompting guests to take cover amid gunfire.
Several US media outlets reported overnight on Saturday that the suspect, is believed to be a 31-year-old from southern California. The man is said to have worked as a teacher and a video game developer, according to his alleged LinkedIn profile.
Late on Saturday night, the FBI searched the suspect’s home in Torrance, a south-western suburb of Los Angeles.
US media report that the man received a bachelor’s degree from the California Institute of Technology in 2017, and completed a master’s degree at California State University in 2025.
Police believe, based on an initial assessment, that the suspect acted alone. He was said to have been staying as a guest at the Hilton hotel where the dinner took place.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told broadcaster NBC, that preliminary findings indicated the suspect was targeting administration officials, but said a motive is still under investigation.
During the attack, the man was carrying a shotgun, a handgun and several knives, police said. Trump told a press conference at the White House that an officer was hit at close range by what Trump described as a “powerful gun,” but was saved by a bulletproof vest.
The alleged perpetrator is due to appear in court on Monday. He is to be charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence and with assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Further charges could follow.
GNA