The suspect accused of opening fire during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, according to multiple media outlets. The incident took place Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton, where Donald Trump and other senior officials were attending the high-profile event. Authorities say Allen was taken into custody after allegedly firing shots and injuring a Secret Service agent, who was protected by a bulletproof vest and is expected to recover.
Law enforcement officials said Allen is facing federal charges, including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on federal officers. Investigators believe he acted alone, though a definitive motive has not yet been confirmed. According to reports, Allen allegedly indicated he intended to target members of the Trump administration, but authorities continue to examine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
Details about Allen’s background have begun to emerge as the investigation unfolds. A LinkedIn profile matching his name and image describes him as a mechanical engineer and computer scientist who also worked as an independent game developer and part-time teacher. The profile indicates he earned a mechanical engineering degree from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 and later completed a master’s degree in computer science at California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025. He was also reportedly employed by C2 Education, where he had been recognized for his teaching work.
In posts on Truth Social, Trump said Secret Service and law enforcement acted “quickly and bravely” to neutralize the threat, adding that all officials in attendance, including First Lady Melania Trump, were safe. Live footage showed agents entering the ballroom and escorting attendees, including Vice President JD Vance, to safety as guests took cover. The annual dinner was ultimately cut short, with organizers expected to reschedule the event as authorities continue their investigation.READ MORE BELOW
