Law enforcement agencies have faced criticism after identifying Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, as the suspected gunman in a shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner. The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton, where a man sprinted through a Secret Service checkpoint, prompting agents to open fire.
Allen, who has no prior criminal record in Los Angeles County, was tackled by officers and not hit by gunfire. An officer was struck in the exchange but was released from hospital on Sunday. Authorities believe Allen was armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives, and was a guest at the hotel.
Jeffery Carroll, interim police chief, stated that investigators believe Allen was involved in an altercation as he tried to enter the event. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Allen faces two charges and will be arraigned on Monday, with further charges likely. Todd Blanche, acting US attorney general, indicated the suspect appeared to be targeting the Trump administration.
Donald Trump posted surveillance footage and a photo of the suspect on Truth Social, leading to criticism over the identification process. The president described Allen as a 'lone wolf whack job' who would spend 'life in prison'. A LinkedIn profile matching Allen's photo listed him as an engineer and game developer with degrees from Caltech and California State University.
A former high school teammate described Allen as a 'borderline genius' and 'super stable', expressing surprise at the allegations. Voter records show Allen donated $25 to Kamala Harris's 2024 campaign. No clear motive has yet emerged, and authorities are searching his parents' home in Torrance.
