According to his LinkedIn profile, Cole Tomas Allen completed his studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025. BBC
Police have identified the man arrested after gunfire disrupted a high-profile dinner in Washington, D.C. Authorities say Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, caused panic inside the hotel where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner took place on Saturday night.
Security agents quickly detained Allen inside the Washington Hilton hotel. According to law enforcement sources, he told officers he wanted to target officials linked to the Trump administration.
Investigation focuses on motive
Officials continue to examine what led to the incident. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators are still working to confirm the motive. Early findings suggest the suspect may have aimed at senior government figures, possibly including Donald Trump.
Blanche said the suspect did not advance far into the secured area. “He barely broke the perimeter,” he explained during a Sunday interview. Authorities now believe the suspect may have assembled the weapon inside the hotel itself.
Shots fired, chaos inside venue
Witnesses described a tense scene as gunfire echoed through the ballroom. Reports indicate that several shots rang out, sending guests scrambling for safety.
Police said security officers engaged the suspect during the incident. Officers later confirmed that they took him into custody without injuries from gunfire. Emergency teams transported him to hospital for further evaluation.
Interim police chief Jeffery Carroll said the suspect carried multiple weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. He added that investigators believe the suspect acted alone.
Travel and background details emerge
Authorities traced the suspect’s journey and believe he travelled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, and then on to Washington, D.C.
At the same time, federal agents searched a property in Torrance, California, linked to the suspect. Investigators also reviewed his online activity and personal history.
Public records show that Allen did not register with any political party. However, election data indicates that he made a small political donation in 2024 to support a presidential campaign.
Education and work history
Allen’s online profiles describe him as a mechanical engineer, game developer, and teacher. He studied at the California Institute of Technology and later earned a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025.
He also worked part-time as a teacher since 2020 and received recognition as “teacher of the month” in late 2024. His social media accounts show personal moments, including family gatherings and graduation celebrations.
Charges laid, court appearance expected
Prosecutors have filed serious charges against the suspect. Jeanine Pirro confirmed that he faces charges for using a firearm during a violent act and for assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Officials plan to bring him before a federal court on Monday, where he will formally face the charges.
