Authorities have identified the suspect in connection with the shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California, according to multiple law enforcement officials.
The incident unfolded Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, where the high-profile event was being held. Officials say Allen allegedly approached a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and knives, before opening fire.
A Secret Service agent was struck during the chaos but was protected by a bulletproof vest and later released from the hospital.
President Donald Trump, who was attending the dinner, was quickly evacuated by security along with other top officials. Authorities believe the suspect may have been targeting members of the administration, though the investigation into motive remains ongoing.
Allen was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a hospital for evaluation. Officials say he is expected to face multiple federal charges, including assault on a federal officer and firearms-related offenses.
Investigators also indicate the suspect likely acted alone.
Further details about Allen’s background have begun to emerge, with reports describing him as a California resident with a background in engineering and teaching, though authorities have not yet confirmed a clear motive.
The shooting has raised renewed concerns about security at major political events, as thousands of journalists, celebrities, and government officials were in attendance when gunfire erupted. The investigation remains active.
