A shooting occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was taken into custody and is expected in court on Monday.
The incident unfolded at approximately 20:35 ET when shots were heard at the Washington Hilton, according to research. Secret Service agents immediately rushed to President Trump and escorted him and his cabinet out of the room shortly after the shots were heard. Trump later confirmed on social media that he was leaving the hotel at the request of law enforcement at 21:36, and that the alleged gunman had been apprehended at 21:17. The president held a news conference from the White House alongside FBI chief Kash Patel and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche at 22:30, where he described the suspect as a 'lone wolf' and 'crackpot'.
The suspect is a 'lone wolf' and 'crackpot'.
The suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, according to US media and law enforcement sources. Police said Allen was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel where the dinner was held. Media reports indicate that Allen has no criminal record and is a graduate of Caltech and California State University. A company Facebook post and law enforcement sources said he worked as a teacher at C2 Education and was named Teacher of the Month in December 2024. The suspect's background has raised questions about how a seemingly ordinary individual could have planned such an attack.
Police reported that Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. According to CBS sources, at least five to eight gunshots were fired, though an eyewitness reported hearing four to five shots, leaving the exact number unclear. Police said security officials and the suspect exchanged fire. An eyewitness and surveillance footage indicated that Allen rushed through security without being stopped initially. Police confirmed that the suspect was tackled to the ground and not injured. The exchange of fire raised concerns about security protocols at the event, which typically hosts hundreds of journalists, politicians, and dignitaries.
The alleged gunman has been apprehended at 21:17.
Law enforcement sources and the acting attorney general said that Allen told law enforcement he wanted to shoot Trump administration officials. The US attorney stated that Allen faces firearm and assault charges, including assault on a federal officer. US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said at about 23:15 that authorities plan to formally charge the suspect in federal court on Monday. The suspect's statements have provided insight into his intentions, though his specific motive for targeting Trump administration officials remains unclear.
The suspect is believed to have acted alone, according to police and the acting attorney general. Police said Allen was not injured and was taken to hospital for evaluation. Trump shared footage that appears to show the start of the shooting and a photograph of the suspect at 22:29, according to research. US media named the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen at about 22:50, citing multiple sources. Live pictures showed a police search of a property in Torrance, California at about 23:10, according to research. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine how Allen managed to bypass security and whether he had any prior contact with law enforcement or intelligence agencies. The suspect is expected in court on Monday, where formal charges will be presented.
I am leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement at 21:36.
The impression is that the suspect was a lone wolf.