The White House Correspondents' Association dinner descended into chaos on Saturday evening when a lone gunman opened fire at the annual event in Washington, D.C. The suspected shooter has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, according to multiple law enforcement sources cited by The New York Times.
Incident Details
President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other administration officials were swiftly evacuated from the Washington Hilton's ballroom as guests scrambled for cover. Allen allegedly rushed security guards and fired a shot, striking a Secret Service agent. The suspect was subdued by officers and taken into custody. No dinner guests were harmed, and the event was subsequently canceled.
Suspect Profile
Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, has no prior criminal record and was not on law enforcement's radar in Washington, D.C. Police reported he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Investigators believe he was staying at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the event was held, and have secured his room. Authorities suspect he acted alone, though a motive remains unclear.
How the Gun Was Brought In
It remains uncertain how Allen managed to bring weapons near the facility. DC Metro Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll stated that investigators believe Allen was a guest at the hotel. Video footage shows the suspect running toward a security checkpoint before firing at least one shot. The Secret Service agent was hit, but Allen was apprehended before reaching the ballroom. Neither the suspect nor the agent sustained life-threatening injuries.
Charges Filed
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., announced that Allen faces two charges: use of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. He is expected to be arraigned on Monday in federal court. If convicted on both counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
President Trump's Response
In the aftermath, President Trump took to Truth Social to praise law enforcement for their swift and brave actions. He initially suggested continuing the event but later announced its cancellation and rescheduling within 30 days. Speaking from the White House press briefing room, Trump called the suspect "a sick person" and noted that investigators were searching his apartment. When asked about assassination attempts, Trump remarked, "When you're impactful, they go after you."
