WASHINGTON (WKYT) — Authorities continue working to determine the motive behind the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where more than 2,000 guests — including the president and vice president — were forced to take cover Saturday night.
One Secret Service agent was shot, though no other injuries were reported.
Law enforcement officials told CBS News the suspect is 31-year-old Cole Allen of California, who allegedly wrote a manifesto outlining plans to target administration officials “prioritized from highest ranking to lowest.”
Sources said Allen’s brother alerted police after receiving a concerning email. On “60 Minutes,” President Trump described how Secret Service agents instructed him and the first lady to get down as the situation unfolded.
The incident has raised new security concerns, including among experts in Kentucky. WKYT spoke with James Stephens, a security consultant for Safe-T Sources, who described the situation as “disturbing.”
Stephens, who helps schools and organizations develop security plans for large events, said such threats are increasingly expected.
“I wouldn’t say these attacks come as a surprise. They’re expected,” Stephens said.
He explained that in today’s political climate, security teams must anticipate risks and prepare accordingly. While details remain preliminary, Stephens suggested the suspect may have attempted to exploit what he called the “weakest link” — the magnetometer checkpoint.
He emphasized that effective security begins well before an event starts and relies on multiple layers of protection.
“I stayed a week at that hotel. I know the area. I spent a lot of time walking around looking. That individual knew that once he got to that magnetometer, he had to rush through that to have a chance to get into the ballroom. When you look at the video footage, he did exactly that,” Stephens said.
Stephens, a former officer, said it is concerning that the suspect reached what he described as the final layer of security. However, he credited the quick response by agents for likely preventing a more serious outcome.
He also urged the public to report concerning behavior, stressing that early intervention can help prevent incidents.
“With those plans, unfortunately, somethings can still go wrong. That’s why we’ve got to learn to react for the known, prepare for the unknown,” Stephens said.
Stephens added that strong preparation and rapid response are key when security systems are tested.
Kentucky lawmakers react
Several Kentucky leaders also responded to the incident.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Andy Barr expressed gratitude for the Secret Service’s efforts to protect attendees. His Democratic opponent Charles Booker said the event was meant to celebrate press freedom and that the attack threatened that purpose.
Congressman Thomas Massie said political violence has no place in the country, while Attorney General Russell Coleman said he was thankful the president, first lady and guests remained safe.
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