Who is Cole Tomas Allen? Suspected Trump shooter at White House correspondents’
A 31-year-old engineer and computer scientist from California has been identified by multiple media outlets as the suspect whose photograph was shared by United States President Donald Trump, in connection with a shooting at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night (UTC).
The man who is reportedly identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a resident of Torrance, was apprehended by the United States Secret Service after allegedly charging a high-security checkpoint during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where the President and hundreds of high-ranking officials had gatheredThe incident sparked a scene of “chaotic” violence just outside the hotel ballroom. According to AFP, tactical teams with guns drawn swarmed the venue as guests, including cabinet members and journalists, dived under tables for cover. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were immediately rushed off the stage by Secret Service agents. In the immediate aftermath, Trump briefly posted “LET THE SHOW GO ON” on Truth Social, though the event was eventually canceled for security reasons.At a subsequent press conference, Trump confirmed that one Secret Service agent was shot at close range but was saved from serious injury by a bulletproof vest.
US officials have not yet publicly confirmed the suspect’s identity.
A LinkedIn profile with the name “Cole Allen” showed a picture of a man which appeared to match the photo shared by Trump, according toProfessionally, Allen has worked as a part-time teacher at C2 Education, a private tutoring firm, where he was recognized as the “December Teacher of the Month” in 2024. Since 2018, he has also identified as an indie game developer, having released a chemistry-themed “atomic fighting game” called ‘Bohrdom’ on the Steam platform. AFP reported that FBI agents were seen searching a residence in Torrance, California, late Saturday night following the suspect’s arrest.
Metropolitan Police Department Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll informed reporters that Allen was carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives when he “chargedcheckpoint. While the motive remains under investigation, Carroll noted that the suspect appears to be a “lone actor.” According to AFP, Allen is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday on firearm and assault charges.
This shooting marks the latest security breach involving the President, who survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024. Asked at Saturday’s press conference why he continues to be targeted, Trump speculated that “the people that make the biggest impact” are the ones who are pursued by such attackers.