Acting AG Blanche Opposes Gun Law Changes After White House Shooting

Tightening gun laws is not the right response to Saturday night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Sunday.

Why it matters: Blanche’s firm stance contrasts sharply with comments made three months ago, when Republican officials proposed restricting gun rights following a deadly shooting by ICE in Minneapolis. The backlash to that proposal, particularly from President Trump’s base, created a significant political challenge for the White House.

Driving the news: Cole Allen, a teacher from Southern California, allegedly transported multiple firearms to Washington via train before opening fire at the gala event. Blanche confirmed that Allen appears to have legally purchased the weapons over the past two years.

Blanche faced pointed questions on multiple Sunday morning talk shows regarding Allen’s gun ownership and the alleged transport of firearms across state lines without security checks.

Key Statements from Acting AG Blanche

"Look, this isn’t about, in my mind, changing the law or making the laws more restrictive around possession of firearms."

"I don’t think the narrative here is about changing laws or changing — making, making our laws more restrictive."

Blanche also dismissed the idea that train travel, which lacks the same security measures as air travel, represents a loophole requiring legislative action.

"I mean, if we’re asking the question, that’s talking about changing the laws, and I don’t think that’s something that we should be focused on right now in any way, shape or form."

In a separate interview with Fox News Sunday, Blanche acknowledged that Allen may have chosen train travel specifically to transport the firearms.

What’s Next

Authorities are actively serving search warrants and conducting investigations into Allen, Blanche said. Allen is expected to face charges on Monday morning.