Law enforcement agencies have identified the suspected gunman in the shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California. Allen has no criminal record in Los Angeles County, according to a records search. A LinkedIn profile under the name "Cole Allen" matched a photo shared by Donald Trump, describing him as an engineer and game developer with degrees from the California Institute of Technology and California State University.
Video posted by President Trump on Saturday showed surveillance footage of a man sprinting through a Secret Service checkpoint near the main ballroom of the Washington Hilton. Agents drew weapons and opened fire as he ran past. Jeffery Carroll, interim police chief, said the suspect was tackled by officers, not hit by gunfire, but exchanged shots with an officer who was struck while wearing a bulletproof vest. The officer has since been released from hospital.
Authorities believe Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives, and was a guest at the hotel. He was involved in an altercation while trying to enter the event. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed he is in custody and there is no reason to suspect any other individuals were involved. The suspect is expected to face multiple charges, including two counts at arraignment on Monday.
Voter records show Allen donated $25 to Kamala Harris's 2024 campaign. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated the suspect may have been targeting the Trump administration, likely including the president. A former high school teammate described Allen as a "borderline genius" and "super stable," expressing surprise at the allegations. The motive remains unclear, but authorities say he was intent on causing maximum harm.
