Law enforcement identified 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California, as the suspect who opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday night, where President Trump and senior officials were in attendance. Allen was apprehended at the scene after attempting to charge a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives.
Allen worked for C2 Education, a tutoring firm in Torrance, and received a “Teacher of the Month” award in December 2024. He graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2017. The Torrance Unified School District confirmed he was never their employee. Federal agents searched his Torrance home late Saturday night.
The suspect told law enforcement he wanted to shoot Trump administration officials, though not specifically the President. Five to eight gunshots were fired during the incident. A Secret Service agent was struck but saved by his bulletproof vest.
DC Police Chief Jeff Carroll described Allen as a “lone actor” and hotel guest, though details of his check-in and room contents remain undisclosed. The suspect was hospitalized for evaluation without sustaining gunshot wounds.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Allen will face charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, with additional charges expected. He will be arraigned Monday in federal court. Pirro stated the individual was “intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could.”
California Tutor Identified as WHCD Shooting Suspect
Cole Allen, 31-year-old Caltech graduate and tutor from California, identified as WHCD shooting suspect. Armed with shotgun, handgun, and knives, he targeted administration officials before apprehension. Secret Service agent saved by vest as federal charges filed.
