Law enforcement officials have named Cole Tomas Allen as the man arrested after gunfire erupted at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California, described himself as a mechanical engineer, game developer, and educator.
According to police reports, Allen engaged in a shootout with security personnel on a floor above where President Donald Trump was meeting with cabinet members and journalists. After his apprehension, sources informed CBS News that Allen expressed a desire to target officials within the Trump administration.
Law enforcement officials have named Cole Tomas Allen as the man arrested after gunfire erupted at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night.
U.S. media outlets have reported that Allen has a history of posting anti-Trump sentiments on social media. CBS News has obtained a document believed to be associated with him, which indicates that he intended to attack members of the Trump administration “from highest-ranking to lowest.” While he claimed guests and hotel staff were not primary targets, he stated they could be harmed if necessary to reach his intended victims.
In an interview with Fox News yesterday, President Trump remarked that the suspect harbored significant animosity for some time and suggested that Allen’s family was aware of his struggles. He also mentioned the existence of a manifesto and described the suspect’s transformation from a Christian believer to an “anti-Christian.”
Washington’s interim Police Chief, Jeffery Carroll, confirmed that Allen was staying at the hotel where the dinner was being held and was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives during the incident. Carroll indicated that Allen appeared to be acting alone.
Reports indicate that between five and eight shots were fired during the altercation. CCTV footage shared by President Trump shows a person sprinting past security officers, who then pursued him. Trump later posted an image of a shirtless man on the ground with his hands restrained, surrounded by Secret Service agents. Carroll noted that while Allen was not injured by gunfire, he was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on NBC that the motive behind Allen’s actions is still under investigation, although initial findings suggest he may have been targeting administration officials, potentially including President Trump himself. Blanche added that investigators are looking into claims that Allen assembled his weapon in the hotel but emphasized that he did not breach security significantly.
Authorities believe Allen traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago before arriving in Washington, D.C. Following the incident, FBI agents and local police were seen searching a residence in California linked to the suspect.
The neighborhood where Allen is believed to reside has been inundated with media coverage. Neighbors expressed shock at the situation, noting that many thought he lived with his parents and had little interaction with him. Observers pointed out that the garage windows appeared covered, something they had not noticed previously.
”It’s definitely unusual for this area,” remarked Vince Terrazzino, who passed by the house with his daughter. “Nothing ever happens here.”
Los Angeles County’s voter registration records indicate that he had registered as having no party affiliation.
A record from the Federal Election Commission, reviewed by BBC Verify, reveals that in October 2024, Allen contributed $25 (£18) to the fundraising platform ActBlue, designating the funds for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.
On LinkedIn, Allen identifies himself as a mechanical engineer, game developer, and educator. His profile states that he studied mechanical engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), a prestigious institution where he participated in its Christian fellowship.
He earned a master’s degree in computer science in 2025 from California State University, Dominguez Hills, celebrating this achievement by sharing a photo of himself in graduation attire on LinkedIn.
Additionally, he developed and launched a game titled “Bohrdom” on the gaming platform Steam. Photos of Allen on Facebook, verified by BBC Verify as matching those taken during his arrest at the Washington Hilton hotel, depict him grinning in family gatherings during Christmas and graduation celebrations.
In December 2024, he was recognized as teacher of the month by C2 Education, an organization that provides tutoring and college test preparation services to students, according to their Facebook announcement. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he has been a part-time instructor there since 2020. The Torrance Unified School District informed CBS that Allen has never been employed by their district.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. attorney for Washington, stated that the suspect is now facing two charges, using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
She added that he would be formally charged in federal court today.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong