The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California, attempted to force his way into the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, according to multiple media reports. Law enforcement subdued Allen before he could enter the ballroom, and President Donald Trump was evacuated safely, major media outlets reported. One Secret Service agent sustained a light injury after a shot struck his vest, according to reports.
Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, according to multiple media reports citing law enforcement sources. Shots were heard at the Washington Hilton at approximately 20:35 ET, according to research reports. Secret Service agents rushed to Trump and escorted him and his cabinet out of the room shortly after the shots were heard, research reports indicate. The exact number of shots fired remains unclear, with some reports saying four or five and others saying a handful. It is also unclear whether Allen was injured; some reports state the gunman was not injured, while others indicate Allen is receiving hospital treatment.
Approximately 10 minutes before the attack, Allen sent a manifesto to family members, according to police and reports. The New York Post reported that the manifesto contained grievances against Trump and administration officials, calling Trump a 'pedophile, rapist, and traitor.' The manifesto identified 'administration officials' as targets, according to the New York Post. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Trump and administration officials were likely targets.
Allen holds a master's degree in computer science from California State University-Dominguez Hills and a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Caltech, according to multiple media reports. He worked as a tutor at C2 Education for six years and was named teacher of the month in 2024, according to multiple media reports. Allen also developed a video game for Steam based on molecular chemistry, according to multiple media reports. Allen's sister told investigators that he bought weapons and stored them at their parents' home, according to federal officers.
Allen was staying as a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel, police said. He is expected to be formally charged on Monday, according to US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. A police search of a property in Torrance, California, was shown in live pictures, according to research reports.
Trump held a news conference from the White House alongside FBI chief Kash Patel and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, according to research reports. During the press conference, Trump said, 'I initially hesitated when Secret Service moved to secure me,' and also stated, 'I fought like hell to stay.' On social media, Trump wrote, 'The alleged gunman has been apprehended,' and 'I was leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement.' He added, 'The impression is that the suspect was a lone wolf.'
Several questions remain unanswered. Allen's exact motive and why he targeted the White House Correspondents' Dinner are unknown. How he managed to bring multiple weapons into the hotel without detection is also unclear. The specific charges he will face and his current medical condition have not been confirmed. It is not known whether any other individuals were involved. The security measures in place at the Washington Hilton and why they were insufficient to prevent the incident are under investigation.