Officials said Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old Caltech graduate and high school tutor from Torrance, is the suspected gunman who exchanged gunfire with officials outside a press gala late Saturday. According to authorities, Allen took a train first to Chicago and then to Washington, D.C., before checking into the Washington Hilton with two guns he had previously purchased. Research from four sources indicates that Allen bypassed several layers of security at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner before being taken down by armed agents outside the ballroom where President Trump and other officials were seated. Terrorism researcher Magnus Ranstorp told major media that the perpetrator planned the attack for some time and that security clearly failed. The manifesto was likely written on the train to Washington, according to major media reports, though Trump said Allen wrote it prior to the attack and shared it with family.
According to Trump, Allen wrote a 'manifesto' prior to the attack and shared it with family. New London Police Deputy Chief John Perry said Allen's brother flagged the manifesto to local law enforcement in New London, Conn., late Saturday. The New York Post reported that Allen described himself in the manifesto as the 'Friendly Federal Assassin' and revealed he intended to kill Trump administration officials. Perry said a man came to the lobby around 10:30 p.m. to report a troubling email from Allen. The relative initially thought the email was spam, but then saw the news and reported it. Perry said police provided the email to the Secret Service and FBI.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect appeared to be targeting members of the Trump administration. According to terrorism researcher Magnus Ranstorp, the perpetrator planned the attack for some time and security clearly failed. The manifesto was likely written on the train to Washington, according to major media reports, though Trump said Allen wrote it prior to the attack and shared it with family. This contradiction affects understanding of the suspect's timeline and planning.
Trump said one officer was shot at close distance with a very powerful gun but was saved by his ballistic vest and was in great shape afterward. Trump called the suspect a 'thug that attacked our Constitution.' Trump praised the Secret Service for acting quickly after the shooting incident. Trump said the event will be rescheduled. Trump said the suspect had 'a lot of hatred in his heart' and was 'a sick guy.' Trump said the suspect's family previously expressed concerns about him to law enforcement.
Jeanine Pirro said the suspect faces two criminal charges: using a firearm in a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. It remains unclear what specific charges Allen will face beyond these two.
Local and federal law enforcement swarmed the Torrance residence where Allen is believed to have lived with his family, according to research from four sources.
In a separate development, President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton in the California gubernatorial race. Research from four sources confirms the endorsement. Trump wrote a Truth Social post endorsing Hilton, criticizing Gavin Newsom and Democrats. Hilton said he is honored to receive Trump's endorsement and outlined his platform. Hilton is a Republican running in a crowded jungle primary; the top two candidates in the June 2, 2026 primary will advance to the general election. Democratic candidates include Xavier Becera, Eric Swalwell, and Antonio Villaraigosa. Trump's endorsement may hurt Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, another Republican candidate, according to research from four sources.
Trump told Jake Paul he would have his 'complete and total endorsement' if he ran for Congress.
Several unknowns remain: what specific charges Allen will face beyond the two mentioned by Jeanine Pirro; how Allen bypassed multiple layers of security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner; the exact content of the manifesto and what motivated the attack; whether the suspect's family was previously known to law enforcement and what actions were taken; and the current condition of the injured officer. These questions are central to understanding the full scope of the incident and its implications for security protocols.