Gun Attack Plot Targeting Trump Dinner Event, Motive Still Unclear: Officials

The motive behind an alleged gun attack plot targeting a dinner event attended by U.S. President Donald Trump remains unclear, according to media reports.

Citing preliminary information, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspected gunman appeared to be targeting officials of the Trump administration. He added that the attacker may also have intended to assassinate the president.

In remarks to NBC, Blanche said investigators are continuing to examine the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He noted that the suspect likely traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago before heading to Washington, D.C..

Law enforcement authorities have identified the suspect as Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California. He is currently in police custody, and formal charges are expected to be filed on Monday.