WASHINGTON D.C. — The suspect accused of firing shots during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California. Authorities confirmed that Allen was taken into custody after injuring a Secret Service agent during the shooting incident on April 25.
Background of the Suspect
According to LinkedIn, Allen is a mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, as well as an independent game developer and part-time teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), which he earned in 2017, and a master’s degree in computer science from California State University at Dominguez Hills, set to be completed in 2025.
C2 Education, a test preparation and tutoring company, lists Allen as a part-time teacher, and he was awarded Teacher of the Month by the organization in December 2024. Allen’s profile also highlights his work as a self-employed game developer.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Allen is facing two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting federal officers, according to Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for Washington. He remains in custody, and authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton. The Secret Service quickly evacuated President Donald Trump, who was seated onstage, along with other key figures, including First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump praised the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies for their swift and brave response to the shooting, writing on Truth Social, “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely.” Trump later added that law enforcement had advised attendees to leave the premises and that he would hold a press conference shortly.
Law Enforcement Response and Evacuation
Live footage from the dinner showed Secret Service agents quickly escorting Trump offstage as gunfire erupted in the ballroom. Other prominent figures onstage were also quickly removed from the area.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as attendees took cover under tables in response to the disturbance. Some also reported seeing the gunman outside the ballroom during the incident. CNN correspondent Wolf Blitzer confirmed seeing the suspect in the vicinity of the event.
Investigations and Statements
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Police have not released further details about the suspect’s motives or how he was able to breach security at the event. Law enforcement has stated that they believe Allen acted alone during the incident.
In the aftermath, Trump assured the public that all individuals involved in the event, including the Cabinet members, were safe and unharmed.
