The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from California, was tackled and arrested at the scene, according to multiple reports. At about 20:35 ET, shots were heard at the Washington Hilton, prompting guests to take cover. Secret Service agents rushed to Donald Trump and escorted him and his cabinet out of the room shortly after the shots. At 21:17, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that the alleged gunman has been apprehended. At 21:36, Trump said he was leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement. At 22:29, Trump shared footage that appears to show the start of the shooting and a photograph of the suspect. At 22:30, Trump held a news conference from the White House alongside FBI chief Kash Patel and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche. About 22:50, US media named the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, citing multiple sources. About 23:10, live pictures showed a police search of a property in Torrance, California.
Allen is a highly educated individual with a master's in computer science and a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, according to multiple reports. He worked as a tutor at C2 Education for six years and was named teacher of the month in 2024, according to multiple reports. Allen developed a video game for Steam based on molecular chemistry, according to multiple reports. He had no criminal record, according to multiple reports. According to CBS News, the BBC's US partner, Allen worked as a tutor in Torrance after graduating from the California Institute of Technology.
According to reports, Allen allegedly sent a manifesto to family members about 10 minutes before the attack. The manifesto mocked security failures at the venue, claiming he walked in armed without raising suspicion, according to the manifesto. The manifesto stated that administration officials, including possibly President Trump, were targets, according to the manifesto. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Trump and administration officials were likely targets.
A Secret Service agent was hit by a bullet but was wearing a vest and suffered minor injuries, according to reports. According to federal officers, Allen's sister said he bought several weapons and stored them at their parents' home. Police say Allen was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel and was carrying multiple weapons including guns and knives.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Allen likely acted alone and has not cooperated with investigators. Trump said the impression is that the suspect was a lone wolf. About 23:10, live pictures showed a police search of a property in Torrance, California. The exact motive of the suspect remains unknown, as does how he obtained the weapons and bypassed security. It is also unclear whether any other individuals were involved.
Allen is expected in court on Monday facing firearm and assault charges. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said authorities plan to formally charge the suspect in federal court on Monday.
There are contradictions regarding whether the shooter entered the ballroom: some reports say he was overpowered before entering, while others say he entered the hotel but it is unclear if he entered the ballroom. The number of shots fired is also disputed, with some reports saying four to five shots were heard, while others do not specify a number. The current condition of the suspect and the injured Secret Service agent has not been confirmed.