The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, has been identified as a teacher and game developer from California, who is believed to have traveled from California to Washington, D.C. to disrupt the annual black-tie dinner for journalists and public officials. In a manifesto reportedly written by Allen, he referred to himself as a "Friendly Federal Assassin" who claimed that the Trump administration officials were his main targets. The suspect also stated that he would go through most everyone to reach them if necessary. The incident occurred shortly after a Secret Service agent was shot, but the bullet struck his protective vest. Allen is currently facing two charges related to using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.