A man accused of attempting to breach a White House Correspondents Association dinner with firearms and knives had written about targeting Trump administration officials, according to President Donald Trump, citing information revealed by federal law enforcement.

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was taken into custody Saturday night after attempting to storm the ballroom at the Washington Hilton during the high-profile annual event, according to reporting by Lex 18 News. Acting Justice Department leader Todd Blanche said Allen's family had alerted police in Connecticut to concerns about his behavior before the incident.

Law enforcement officials who examined Allen's electronic devices and writings preliminarily believe he intended to target administration members in attendance. Allen traveled by train from California and had checked into the Washington hotel days before the Saturday night gala, Blanche said.

During the chaotic encounter, a Secret Service officer was shot in the chest but his bullet-resistant vest protected him, and he is expected to make a full recovery. Trump was escorted offstage as guests ducked beneath tables. The suspect was tackled before being taken into custody without injury.

Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press" that authorities believe Allen fired the shot that struck the officer. "It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president," Blanche said.

According to social media profiles appearing to match Allen, he holds a master's degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. He worked as a tutor and amateur video game developer.

Allen was expected to face multiple criminal charges Monday and is not cooperating with authorities. Blanche said the suspect purchased the two firearms he carried within the last couple of years.

Trump characterized the incident as a third attempt on his life in less than two years, though he called for bipartisan unity and healing in response to the violence. The annual White House Correspondents Association dinner was canceled for the night and will be rescheduled.