Suspect Identified in White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting: Cole Tomas Allen

On April 26, 2026, a gunman opened fire in the lobby of the Hilton Washington during the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. Shots rang outside the ballroom attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other officials. Security agents tackled the suspect, who was later evaluated at a hospital and faces federal firearm and assault charges.

Euronews

The White House Correspondents' Association Dinner is an annual press dinner that attracts high-profile officials, journalists and celebrities, prompting heightened security measures.

Euronews

Law enforcement identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Caltech (2017) and an M.S. in computer science from CSU-Dominguez Hills (2025). His LinkedIn profile lists him as a mechanical engineer, computer scientist, independent game developer, and teacher. Allen taught part-time for C2 Education, receiving the firm’s monthly teaching accolade in December 2024, and has released the indie game Bohrdom on Steam.

CNN

A White House official said Allen sent a manifesto to family minutes before the attack, indicating intent to target officials. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced additional charges are forthcoming. President Trump posted a Truth Social video showing the suspect fleeing security barriers.

Euronews

CSU-Dominguez Hills professor Bin Tang expressed shock at Allen’s conduct, noting his prior exemplary behavior. Former student Jason said he never imagined Allen planning violence. Allen’s sister reported his radical statements, citing participation in a “No Kings” protest and affiliation with “The Wide Awakes.”

NPR

Security footage shows Allen bypassing a Secret Service barrier before agents pursued him. Witnesses heard multiple shots outside the ballroom; the suspect was later taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Euronews

The alleged manifesto has not been released, leaving its contents unverified. Allen’s claim of targeting “Trump administration officials” lacks corroboration, and his sister’s radical-statement claims remain unconfirmed.

NPR

• “[He was] always sitting in the first row of my class, paying attention, and frequently emailing me with coursework questions. Soft spoken, very polite, a good fellow. I am very shocked to see the news,” — Bin Tang, Computer Science Professor, CSU-Dominguez Hills

Euronews

• “You wouldn't expect him to be plotting some crazy, evil plan to kill the president,” — Jason, former student (minor)

NPR

• “mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth.” — Cole Tomas Allen, LinkedIn profile

Euronews

• “teacher of the month” — C2 Education (December 2024 award)

CNN

Allen will be arraigned Monday in federal court on firearm-use and assault charges. Prosecutors indicated further counts may be added as the investigation continues.

NPR