Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old game designer and educator from Torrance, California, was identified as the suspect in the Washington Hilton shooting on Saturday evening.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, Allen traveled from California to Chicago and then to Washington, D.C. by train, where he registered as a guest at the hotel.
Federal authorities stated that Allen was equipped with several firearms and a knife as he approached the ballroom hosting the event, prompting Secret Service agents to surround and apprehend him.
One agent sustained a gunshot wound during the incident but was shielded by a bulletproof vest.
A neighbor of Allen's parents, who reside in Torrance, described them as 'very solid' people, despite the suspect's alleged actions.
The neighbor, Paul Thompson, stated that he has never interacted with Allen but has interacted with his parents, who are well-regarded in the community.
Allen, who holds a master's degree in computer science from California State University-Dominguez Hills, is facing two preliminary charges concerning the use of a firearm and the assault of an officer with a dangerous weapon.
