Story perspectives

Caltech Graduate Shoots Secret Service at Hilton, Arrested

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, entered Washington Hilton lobby during White House Correspondents Dinner, opened fire on Secret Service and is in custody awaiting arraignment.
He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives.
Chief Jeffery Carroll said Allen acted alone and wounded a Secret Service officer wearing a vest who was hospitalized and released.
Allen holds a mechanical-engineering degree from Caltech and previously donated $25 to a Democratic campaign.

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Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, entered Washington Hilton lobby during White House Correspondents Dinner, opened fire on Secret Service and is in custody awaiting arraignment.
He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives.
Chief Jeffery Carroll said Allen acted alone and wounded a Secret Service officer wearing a vest who was hospitalized and released.
Allen holds a mechanical-engineering degree from Caltech and previously donated $25 to a Democratic campaign.