The incident unfolded at approximately 20:35 ET when shots were heard at the Washington Hilton, according to research reports. 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 stated at 21:36 that he was leaving the hotel at the request of law enforcement. The White House Correspondents' Association confirmed the evacuation but did not provide further details on the security breach.
The suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, according to law enforcement sources. Police said Allen was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel where the dinner was held. US media reports describe Allen as a mechanical engineer and amateur video game developer. Caltech confirmed that Allen earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 2017 and a master's in computer science from California State University-Dominguez Hills. According to his LinkedIn profile and law enforcement sources, Allen worked as a teacher at C2 Education, a tutoring company. A Facebook post indicated that Allen was named 'Teacher of the Month' by C2 Education in December 2024. Multiple major media sources, citing six outlets, reported that Allen has no criminal record.
We heard four to five shots. Then we hid under the tables.
Police Chief Jeffery Carroll stated that Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect is facing charges including assault on federal officers and firearm offenses. Authorities plan to formally charge the suspect in federal court on Monday, according to US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. Police confirmed that the suspect was not injured but was taken to hospital for evaluation.
Police reported that security officials and the suspect exchanged fire. CBS sources indicated that at least five to eight gunshots were fired. However, the exact number of shots remains unclear, as Swedish journalist Ginna Lindberg, who was at the event, told TV4 Nyheterna that she heard four to five shots. This discrepancy may affect understanding of the severity of the incident. Additionally, while police stated there was an exchange of fire, some reports only mention that shots were fired without specifying whether the suspect fired at security, a key detail for the sequence of events and potential charges.
There was no ID check, only a metal detector and bag check.
According to CBS sources, Allen told law enforcement he wanted to shoot Trump administration officials. Police believe Allen acted alone, according to police and acting attorney general Todd Blanche. During a press conference, Trump described the suspect as "a lone wolf and a crackpot," adding that "the impression is that the suspect was a lone wolf." Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that "Trump was the likely target."
Trump took to Truth Social to post a photo of the suspect's arrest. He also shared footage appearing to show the start of the shooting and a photograph of the suspect at 22:29, according to research. At 22:30, Trump held a news conference alongside FBI chief Kash Patel and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche. During the conference, Trump said, "The alleged gunman has been apprehended." He also reiterated that he was leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement.
The alleged gunman has been apprehended.
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 reports. The search appeared to be connected to Allen's residence, though authorities have not confirmed the details of the search.
Several key details remain unknown. The motive behind the attack has not been established, and it is unclear how the suspect managed to bring multiple weapons into the hotel despite security checks. According to TV4 Nyheterna, Ginna Lindberg described that there was no ID check, only a metal detector and bag check, which may explain how the weapons were smuggled in. It is also unknown whether there were any injuries besides the suspect being taken for evaluation. The specific charges Allen will face have not been finalized, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of accomplices, though they currently believe he acted alone.
I am leaving the Washington Hilton at the request of law enforcement.
The impression is that the suspect was a lone wolf.
He is a lone wolf and a crackpot.
Trump was the likely target.