The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California, was taken into custody after opening fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, according to multiple sources. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said charges would be filed against Allen, including two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer. President Donald Trump confirmed that one officer was shot but saved by a bulletproof vest and is doing well. Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their quick response, stating, 'The Secret Service and law enforcement did an incredible job. They responded quickly and professionally.' FBI Director Kash Patel also commended the response, saying, 'The FBI and our partners responded swiftly and effectively to ensure the safety of all attendees.' The White House Correspondents' Dinner will be rescheduled, Trump announced.
According to Trump, speaking in an interview with Fox News, Allen wrote a manifesto stating he had people in the Trump administration as targets. Trump said he has seen the 31-year-old's manifesto and that his social media was filled with anti-Christian rhetoric. 'The shooter hates Christian people,' Trump said at a press conference. The manifesto was sent to several of Allen's family members minutes before the shots were fired, according to the White House. Allen's brother alerted police about the texts. However, CBS News reported that the manifesto contains nothing specific about the correspondents' dinner. The New York Post has published parts of the manifesto, including the line: 'I am no longer willing to let a pedophile, rapist and traitor dirty my hands with his crimes.' This has led to questions about whether the dinner was specifically targeted or if the shooter had broader intentions.
I am no longer willing to let a pedophile, rapist and traitor dirty my hands with his crimes.
Allen's background is emerging through multiple reports. Federal campaign finance records show he contributed $25 to a Democratic PAC supporting Kamala Harris in 2024. He worked at C2 Education and was named teacher of the month, according to research from four sources. He developed a video game and had a master's degree in computer science, the same sources said. Allen's sister said in questioning that he regularly visited a shooting range and belonged to a group called 'The Wide Awakes,' according to major media reports. Trump said the shooter hates Christian people, but the exact motive remains unclear. The investigation into Allen's group is ongoing.
Security at the event has come under scrutiny. According to research from four sources, Allen was a guest of the hotel and made it past the outermost layer of security. How he obtained a firearm and bypassed security is still under investigation. The wounded officer's current condition has not been confirmed, though Trump said he is doing well. The status of the investigation into 'The Wide Awakes' is also unknown.
The FBI and our partners responded swiftly and effectively to ensure the safety of all attendees.
In other developments, Trump endorsed Steve Hilton for Governor of California, criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom and the state. 'Gavin Newsom has destroyed California. We need a real leader like Steve Hilton,' Trump said. According to research from four sources, Hilton has edged ahead in polls for California governor. California's top-two primary system may lead to an all-Republican general election, the same sources said. Trump also told Jake Paul he would have his complete endorsement if he ran for Congress. 'If you run for Congress, you have my complete endorsement,' Trump said.