The suspect accused of opening fire during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was armed with multiple weapons, according to law enforcement officials who briefed reporters after the incident. Authorities late Saturday after the attack identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.
Officials said Allen allegedly rushed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton
while carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives before being stopped by the U.S. Secret Service and other officers.
The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was underway Saturday night with President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet members, journalists, and other guests in attendance when gunfire erupted near the ballroom entrance.
.@POTUS: "I'm a big fan of the people of law enforcement… he was fast. When you look at it on tape, it's almost like a blur. But it was amazing because as soon as they saw that, you could see them draw their guns. They were so professional." pic.twitter.com/Pehcihv4c3
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 26, 2026
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as attendees took cover under tables while security personnel moved quickly toward the threat. Several guests initially believed the noise was caused by falling dishes before realizing shots had been fired, reports noted.
One federal officer was reportedly struck in a bullet-resistant vest during the confrontation. Officials said the protective gear likely prevented more serious injury, and the officer is expected to recover.
Reports also indicated the suspect may have assembled a “long weapon” in an unsecured area near the entrance before approaching the event. A volunteer working nearby told reporters the man appeared to remove parts from a bag and assemble the weapon shortly before the shooting.
Authorities said Allen was quickly subdued and taken into custody at the scene. He was later transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation before charges were announced.
Federal prosecutors said Allen is expected to face serious charges, including firearm-related offenses and assault on a federal officer. Investigators said they are continuing to examine a possible motive and whether the White House Correspondents’ Dinner or any specific attendees were targeted.
Trump was safely evacuated from the ballroom by U.S. Secret Service agents along with other senior officials. He later spoke with reporters and praised the rapid response of security personnel. The White House Correspondents’ Association later confirmed that the dinner would be postponed and rescheduled following the shooting.
The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner is traditionally one of Washington’s highest-profile
gatherings, bringing together presidents, lawmakers, journalists, celebrities, and media executives. Saturday’s violence turned what was expected to be a ceremonial evening into a scene of confusion and alarm.
As investigators continue reviewing how the suspect was able to approach the venue while armed with multiple weapons, questions are being raised about hotel security, screening procedures, and protections surrounding a major event attended by senior political leaders.
Some have speculated that the Secret Service and other law enforcement officials were too focused on the perimeter of the venue but did not scrutinize guests at the hotel there. Allen had reportedly checked into a room the night before after traveling by Amtrak from California to DC, reports said.
Allen was previously featured in a 2017 report highlighting tech startups developing innovations to assist senior citizens, which focused on early-stage inventions aimed at improving mobility and safety.
Allen was recognized for designing a wheelchair brake lock intended to prevent unintended movement. The device was described as addressing a limitation in standard wheelchair braking systems.
“The wheelchair brakes tend to lock the wheels, but don’t lock the chair to the ground,” Allen said in the report. “But with this device, that will prevent the chair from skidding at all.”
1/ WATCH: Cole Allen in his own words…
The California computer scientist, 31, accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner isn’t just any would-be killer — he is an elite-trained engineer from Caltech, where students with perfect SAT scores gain admission.… pic.twitter.com/iU1J4I1wJc
— Asra Nomani (@AsraNomani) April 26, 2026
Allen, 31, is a computer scientist from Torrance, California. Authorities have since recovered a manifesto he sent to his family before the shooting, explaining that he wanted to assassinate the president and as many of his Cabinet members as possible. The manifesto contained many inaccurate claims about Trump as well as anti-Christian animus.
Allen donated to Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign, according to records reviewed by authorities and the media.
