White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting: Timeline traces how suspects alleged cross-country plan unfolded

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House Correspondents Dinner quickly devolved into chaos Saturday as shots rang out inside the Washington, D.C., hotel hosting the annual gala while President was in attendance. 

The suspect has been , 31, of Torrance, Calif., with law enforcement adding that he prepared a manifesto and shared posts to social media outlining his intent to target Trump and other administration officials, according to authorities. 

Allens sister, Avriana Allen, told Secret Service and Montgomery County Police that her brother had a history of making radical statements and previously mentioned a plan to do “something” to fix what he believed to be issues with todays society, authorities said. 

Allen allegedly stormed the Washington Hiltons lobby while armed with weapons within minutes of the event kicking off, and was quickly apprehended by .

He is currently in custody and authorities are expected to file federal charges against him Monday. 

Here is a timeline of events leading up to the shooting: 

Allen legally purchases a .38-caliber semiautomatic pistol, according to the Associated Press. He purchased a 12-gauge shotgun two years later. 

WATCH: Suspect went from ‘nerdy geek’ to attempted attacker: Asra Nomani

His sister told authorities the weapons were purchased from Cap Tactical Firearms and stored in their parents home, who were unaware of the guns being kept there.

She also revealed her brother was a regular visitor to the shooting range, was a member of a group called “The Wide Awakes” and had previously attended a “No Kings” protest in . 

Allen allegedly to Washington, D.C., making one stop in Chicago, according to authorities. 

Allen one day before the April 25 gala dinner, sources told Fox News.

The 2026 White House Correspondents Dinner begins, with Trump taking his seat alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and first lady Several other administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and House Speaker Mike Johnson, are also in attendance. 

WATCH: Trey Yingst reports live from WHCD during shooting

Before the shooting, Allen allegedly sends a written manifesto outlining his officials to members of his family, according to law enforcement sources. 

Shots ring out on the hotels terrace level, one floor below the hotel lobby and one floor above the International Ballroom, where hundreds of enjoying the start of the program. 

According to authorities, Allen in the hotels lobby area armed with firearms and knives, striking one officer in his ballistic vest.

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Allen is intercepted by members of the Secret Service as they return fire and tackle him to the ground. 

Within seconds, of the federal government are rushed to safety by the Secret Service, as journalists and other attendees take shelter under tables in the ballroom.

The officer who was struck is later transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive.

after the shooting on Truth Social, commending officers for acting “quickly and bravely.” Trump also added that “the shooter has been apprehended,” and that he had recommended the event resume.

WATCH: WHCD shooting appears to be third incident targeting Trump

Trump makes a second post to Truth Social, revealing that law enforcement had asked attendees to evacuate the building, as was consistent with protocol. 

After the shooting, Allens brother contacts the New London Police Department in regarding his alleged manifesto. 

The police said in a statement they were contacted at 10:49 p.m. but