The suspect, identified by US media as Cole Tomas Allen, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the alleged gunman had been apprehended, and he later held a news conference at the White House alongside FBI chief Kash Patel and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche. Live television footage showed police searching a property in Torrance, California, at about 23:10 ET, suggesting a connection to Allen's residence.
Allen is believed to be a teacher from California, having worked for the last six years at C2 Education, where he was named 'Teacher of the Month' in December 2024. According to his LinkedIn profile, he describes himself as a 'mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth.' He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2017. During his college years, he was involved in a Christian student fellowship and a campus group that battled with Nerf guns. A local ABC station in Los Angeles interviewed him during his senior year about a prototype for a new type of emergency brake for wheelchairs. Allen also developed a video game for the Steam platform based on molecular chemistry and was working on a new 'top-down shooter' combat game set in outer space.
mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth
Police said Allen was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives. DC Metro Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll stated that investigators believe Allen was staying at the Washington Hilton hotel. According to police, Allen had no criminal record and had not set off any alarms for law enforcement in Washington DC. US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said authorities plan to formally charge the suspect in federal court on Monday.
Trump characterized the suspect as a 'lone wolf' during his press conference, adding that the impression is that the suspect acted alone. He also described Allen as a 'knäppgök,' a Swedish term meaning crackpot. Trump shared footage on Truth Social that appears to show the start of the shooting and a photograph of the suspect, and he stated that he was leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement.
lone wolf
Several key details remain unknown. Allen's motive for the attack has not been established, and it is unclear how he obtained the weapons and brought them into the hotel. Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was injured in the shooting, nor have they specified the exact charges Allen will face beyond the two firearm-related counts. It is also unknown whether Allen had any prior contact with law enforcement or intelligence agencies.
knäppgök
the alleged gunman has been apprehended
I was leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement
the impression is that the suspect was a lone wolf