Authorities say Cole Tomas Allen was armed when gunfire broke out near the ballroom screening area.
WASHINGTON, DC — A 31-year-old Southern California teacher was identified Sunday as the suspect in a shooting that disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton and forced President Donald Trump and other top officials from the ballroom.
Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California, was taken into custody after gunfire near a security screening area outside the main ballroom Saturday night, officials said. A Secret Service agent was hit but protected by a ballistic vest, and Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other officials were not injured. Federal authorities said Allen was expected to face firearm and assault charges as investigators worked to determine his motive and path to the event.
The dinner was underway April 25 when the sound of gunfire sent agents toward the stage and guests toward the floor. The event, an annual gathering of journalists, politicians and celebrities, was being held at the Washington Hilton, the same hotel where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981 after leaving a speech. Secret Service personnel moved Trump and other protectees away from the room as law enforcement swarmed the area. President Trump later said law enforcement “acted quickly and bravely,” and said the wounded agent was “doing great” after being struck in the vest.
Officials identified the suspect as Allen, a Caltech graduate who had worked as a part-time teacher and was linked to C2 Education in Torrance. Records and online profiles reviewed by news organizations described him as a former teaching assistant, a mechanical engineering graduate and an independent game developer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 and a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills, in 2025. Authorities said he appeared to have been staying at the hotel as a guest. Officials said the final motive remained under investigation.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that early findings showed Allen likely intended to target Trump and senior members of his administration. Investigators said Allen traveled across the country by train and checked into the hotel before the dinner. Authorities said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives when he tried to move past security near the main magnetometer screening area. Allen was subdued at the scene and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Officials said he had not been injured by gunfire. Investigators also said he was not cooperating with authorities during the early stage of the inquiry.
The shooting prompted a large response in Washington and in Southern California. Law enforcement officers went to an address connected to Allen in Torrance, where officials searched for writings, devices and other records that could explain planning or motive. Torrance Mayor George Chen said the city joined the nation in condemning the violence and said the incident should not define the Los Angeles County suburb. Allen’s background drew attention because he had been known publicly as a teacher and technology worker, not as a public political figure. Officials have not said whether he had a criminal record or whether any group helped him.
Federal prosecutors said Allen was expected to face charges that included using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon. Additional charges could follow as the FBI, Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department review hotel security footage, witness accounts, travel records and the weapons recovered at the scene. The wounded Secret Service agent was treated and later released from the hospital, according to a local report citing the agency. Officials said the agent’s vest prevented more serious injuries. A first court appearance was expected after Allen’s medical evaluation and federal processing.
Inside the ballroom, attendees described a sudden shift from dinner speeches to fear and confusion. Some guests ducked under tables while agents and police moved through the room. Others filmed from the floor as security teams cleared paths to move officials out. The White House Correspondents’ Association said it was grateful that attendees and protectees were safe. The dinner was canceled for the night after security officials determined the area was a crime scene. Trump initially said he wanted the event to continue, but later said law enforcement had asked that guests leave the hotel.
The dinner is expected to be rescheduled within 30 days, according to statements after the incident. Investigators were still working Sunday to determine whether Allen acted alone, why he traveled to Washington and whether he specifically planned to attack the president, administration officials, the press or others at the dinner.
Author note: Last updated Sunday, April 26, 2026.