A suspect is facing multiple federal charges following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Charges Announced as Investigation Continues
Officials confirmed on April 25 that the individual accused in the incident will be formally arraigned in federal court on Monday, with additional charges expected as investigators gather more information.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Muriel Bowser, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the suspect currently faces at least two charges, including use of a firearm during a violent crime and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
“The defendant will be arraigned on Monday in federal district court, but make no mistake, there will be many more charges based upon the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation,” Pirro said.
Authorities reported that both the suspect and a member of the United States Secret Service were transported to a hospital following the incident.
Earlier, Donald Trump confirmed that a Secret Service agent had been shot but stated the agent was “doing great” after receiving medical attention. He also noted that the suspect is believed to be from California and that law enforcement was investigating his residence.
At the same briefing, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation remains ongoing.
Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeff Carroll provided additional details, stating the suspect was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. He said the individual was intercepted by Secret Service personnel at a checkpoint.
“As he ran through that checkpoint, members of law enforcement from the United States Secret Service intercepted that individual,” Carroll said.
Authorities believe the suspect acted alone, and officials emphasized there is currently no ongoing threat to the public.
Carroll added that investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the Washington Hilton, where the event took place, to determine how the weapons were brought inside.
Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, urged anyone with relevant information to come forward as agents continue examining the suspect’s background.
In a separate statement, Secret Service Director Sean Curran praised the response of his team, saying the incident demonstrated the effectiveness of layered security measures.
“Tonight we saw exactly what our brave men and women do each and every day to protect our protectees,” Curran said, adding that the suspect’s capture showed the system in place “works.”
