Some members of the San Diego congressional delegation are speaking out about the violence at last night's White House Correspondents' Dinner, where a 31-year-old Torrance man is accused of trying to storm the gala armed with guns and knives.
Cole Tomas Allen was arrested after allegedly shooting a U.S. Secret Service officer at the Washington Hilton, where President Donald Trump was waiting to address the annual gathering. Allen is reported to have sent family members a manifesto railing against the Trump administration shortly before Saturday night's disruption.
He was tentatively scheduled to be arraigned Monday and is facing two preliminary charges for using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Bonsal, was at the dinner and posted on X after the shooting.
"This is the reality of what @realDonaldTrump faces every day -- and for years before that. This is a man of uncommon courage," Issa wrote. "I was there at the event tonight. And I'll be there again or anywhere else to support this president."
Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego, also posted on X. She was not in attendance at the dinner.
"I'm glad that everyone is safe at the White House Correspondents Dinner tonight," Jacobs said. "Thank you to law enforcement and first responders for acting so swiftly and courageously."
The shooting occurred shortly in a ballroom of the hotel. Security video showed a man attempting to sprint past the security checkpoint, prompting several officers to draw their weapons. U.S. Secret Service agents rushed Trump and first lady Melania Trump out of the hotel and back to the White House. Vice President JD Vance was also rushed out.
Neither the president or vice president was injured. One law enforcement officer was shot but was wearing a bullet-proof vest and is expected to be OK, according to multiple media reports.
Authorities said Allen was registered as a guest of the hotel and that his room was searched. His parents' Torrance home, where Allen reportedly lived, was also searched.