Law enforcement have identified 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, CA as the person
taken a man into custody after gunfire rang out at the White House Correspondents’ Assn. dinner on Saturday.
This is from my local news late last night. They were at the suspect from the Correspondents’ Dinner’s home even before the FBI showed up. Cole Allen is registered as having no party affiliation. Self-described as a mechanical engineer, independent game developer, and a tutor. So many questions…
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline.com) April 26, 2026 at 5:17 AM
[image or embed]
According to wannabe Attorney General Todd Blanch said Cole traveled from California to Chicago and then on to D.C. via train. He also said the suspect revealed he was targeting members of the Trump administration.
One hotel security guard said she observed the individual with a firearm. President Donald Trump was rushed offstage. One officer who was wearing a bulletproof vest was shot and was taken to a hospital. Trump told reporters during a press conference that the officer is “doing great.”
The shotgun and handgun used were legally purchased in California. He also had multiple knives in his possession.
Blanche said that the weapons were purchased “within the last couple of years.” U.S. Atty. for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro (Boxed Wine) said they will charge Allen with with two counts of using a firearm and one count of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
WHCA shooting suspect Cole Tomas Allen charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, Jeanine Pirro says.
— AZ Intel (@azintel.bsky.social) April 25, 2026 at 8:35 PM
[image or embed]
What is Known So Far:
- No motive at this point.
- Allen had NO PARTY AFFILIATION but in October 2024, Allen donated $25 to ActBlue.
- Graduated from CalTech in 2017 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
- Allen also earned a master’s degree in computer science at Cal State Dominguez Hills in 2025.
- Allen was named teacher of the month in December 2024 at C2 Education, which specializes in college test preparation, tutoring and academic advising.
But Building a Ballroom Will Prevent Future Incidents:
Others Share Their Experience:
Edit: Cole Allen’s Manifesto:
