Cole Tomas Allen, 31, Arrested After Shots Fired at Washington Hilton Hotel Dinner
Law enforcement officials have identified Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, as the individual arrested following an incident at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
After being detained by security agents inside the hotel, Allen reportedly expressed intentions to shoot officials within the Trump administration, according to sources. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that preliminary findings suggest the suspect targeted administration officials, potentially including President Donald Trump.
Investigators are examining reports that Allen assembled the weapons inside the hotel. Blanche noted that Allen "barely broke the perimeter." The suspect is believed to have travelled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, then on to Washington DC. At least five to eight gunshots were reportedly fired. Police confirmed an exchange of fire between security officials and the suspect, though Allen was not struck by gunfire but was taken to hospital for evaluation.
Washington interim police chief Jeffery Carroll stated Allen was a hotel guest and was "armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives," confirming he appeared to be a "lone actor." Trump later shared a photograph of Allen, who he claimed had a "manifesto" and was "strongly anti-Christian."
US media cite law enforcement sources on Allen's history of anti-Trump social media posts and a written document believed to be linked to him. This document reportedly outlined a desire to target Trump administration members "from highest-ranking to lowest," with guests and staff to be attacked if necessary.
Allen's LinkedIn profile identifies him as a mechanical engineer, game developer, and teacher, having studied at Caltech and California State University, Dominguez Hills. Federal Election Commission records indicate a donation of $25 to Kamala Harris' presidential campaign via ActBlue in October 2024.
Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for Washington, confirmed Allen faces charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, with a formal charging scheduled for Monday in federal court.
