The United States authorities have filed two federal criminal charges against the 31-year-old suspect arrested in the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. The development was confirmed by U.S. Attorney for Washington, Jeanine Pirro, who said the suspect is facing two counts, including use of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
The shooting occurred on Saturday night during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, attended by top government officials, journalists, and dignitaries.
The suspect, identified by U.S. media as a 31-year-old teacher and video game developer from Southern California, was apprehended after he reportedly ran toward the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the dinner, which had President Donald Trump in attendance, was being held.
She said, “Right now, the defendant is being charged with two counts, 924C, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and a second crime under 111, which is assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
“Now, as you all know, there was an individual, a Uniformed Secret Service officer, who was shot, and fortunately he is doing all right and he will be fine.
“But it is clear, based upon what we know so far, that this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could and thankfully, because of the checkpoint right outside the ballroom, where thousands of people were situated to hear the President of the United States, because that checkpoint worked, there was no one who was injured, and it was clear where this defendant was going.”
According to BBC, the suspect is believed to have been a guest at the hotel, with his room now secured as part of the investigation.
Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, Jeffery W Carroll, said the suspect “was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.”
He added that there is currently no ongoing threat to the public, noting that additional security personnel have been deployed around the city following the incident.
When asked if there are any security changes to related events around the US capital that typically follow the White House Correspondents Dinner, he responded saying “there is no reason to believe anyone else is in danger but there are extra officers out and about tonight for events such as after-parties.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect would be formally charged “very soon.”
Officials also confirmed that the suspect is receiving treatment in a hospital while remaining in police custody.
