Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, was arrested after opening fire near the White House Correspondents' dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel. Shots were heard at the Washington Hilton at about 20:35 ET, according to research. Secret Service agents rushed to Donald Trump and escorted him and his cabinet out of the room shortly after the shots were heard, research indicates. Trump later held a news conference from the White House alongside FBI chief Kash Patel and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, according to research. Allen is facing two firearm-related charges, major media reports said. He is expected to be formally charged on Monday, according to US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, as reported by research.
Allen is believed to be a teacher from California, according to major media reports. He has worked for the last six years at C2 Education, a tutoring company. In December 2024, Allen was named 'Teacher of the Month' by C2 Education, according to major media reports. Allen obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2017. He also obtained a master's degree in computer science from California State University-Dominguez Hills, according to major media reports. On social media, Allen described himself as a "Mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth."
Mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth.
Police said Allen had been armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives. DC Metro Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll said investigators believe Allen was staying at the Washington Hilton hotel. Allen had no criminal record and hadn't set off any alarms for law enforcement in Washington DC, police said, according to major media reports. Live pictures showed a police search of a property in Torrance, California, according to research.
Allen listed involvement in a Christian student fellowship and a campus group that battled with Nerf guns, according to major media reports. A local ABC station in Los Angeles interviewed Allen during his senior year of college about a prototype for a new type of emergency brake for wheelchairs, according to major media reports. Allen developed a video game for the Steam platform based on molecular chemistry, according to major media reports. He was also working to develop a new 'top-down shooter' combat game set in outer space, according to major media reports.
Lone wolf.
President Donald Trump described the suspect as a "lone wolf" during a press conference. "The alleged gunman has been apprehended," Trump said on social media. He also stated, "I am leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement." The impression from law enforcement is that the suspect acted alone, Trump said at the press conference.
Several unknowns remain in the investigation. Allen's motive for the shooting has not been determined. It is unclear how he obtained the weapons and gained access to the hotel. Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was injured in the shooting. The specific charges Allen will face beyond the two firearm-related counts have not been detailed. Investigators are also looking into whether Allen had any prior connections to the White House or political figures.
The alleged gunman has been apprehended.
The White House Correspondents' Association, which organizes the annual dinner, has not commented on the incident. The Secret Service and FBI are leading the investigation. The incident has raised questions about security at high-profile events in Washington, though officials have not provided further details on security protocols.
Allen's background as a teacher and game developer has drawn attention. His social media profiles show an interest in science and gaming. The prototype for a wheelchair emergency brake, developed during his college years, suggests an inventive streak. His video game based on molecular chemistry and the planned space combat game indicate a focus on educational and entertainment projects.
I am leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement.
The arrest has sparked discussions about gun violence and public safety. However, authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released as it becomes available. The quick response by law enforcement, including the Secret Service, was credited with preventing further harm.
As the case proceeds, Allen is expected to appear in court on Monday. The legal process will determine the charges and potential penalties. Meanwhile, the Washington Hilton has resumed normal operations, and the White House Correspondents' dinner, though disrupted, is expected to continue in future years with enhanced security measures.
The impression is that the suspect was a lone wolf.