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A 31-year-old man, identified as Cole Allen from Torrance, California, is accused of attempting to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an event graced by President Donald Trump and other key members of his administration. The incident happened Saturday night when Allen allegedly tried to force his way into the ballroom with a shotgun, handgun, and several knives.
According to authorities, Secret Service agents intercepted Allen before he could enter the venue. His actions have led to a scheduled appearance in federal court on Monday, where he will face charges related to this alarming breach.
Further investigation revealed that Allen legally purchased a .38-caliber semiautomatic pistol in October 2023, along with a 12-gauge shotgun acquired the previous year. Law enforcement officials provided this information to the Associated Press as they continue to piece together the details of this security scare.
Authorities allege Allen, a resident of Torrance, California, rushed through security near the event Saturday night while armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
Law enforcement officials told the AP that Allen legally bought a .38-caliber semiautomatic pistol in October 2023 and a 12-gauge shotgun last year.
Shots were fired outside the venue, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other top political figures. A U.S. Secret Service officer was shot but has since been released from the hospital, according to agency officials. No other injuries have been reported.
Motive still a question as investigators look at manifesto
Investigators told The Associated Press they believe Allen acted alone. No motive has been identified, though Allen reportedly sent a “manifesto” to family members shortly before the attack.
In the document, Allen allegedly described himself as “Friendly Federal Assassin” and railed against recent actions taken by the U.S. government under Trump, though he did not name the Republican president directly, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press.
The writings ran more than a thousand words and read as a rambling, deeply personal message, opening almost jarringly with a casual “hello everybody!” before shifting into apologies to family members, co-workers, fellow travelers and even strangers he feared could be caught in the violence. The note moved between confession, grievance and farewell, with Allen thanking people in his life even as he sought to explain the attack.
Elsewhere, the document veered between political anger, religious justifications and rebuttals to imagined critics, at times reading as if he were arguing with detractors in real time.
He signed the document using a moniker that matches social media accounts that have since been taken offline. A defunct account using the same name on the platform Bluesky reposted others who offered commentary critical of Trump as well as members of the media who attend the annual black-tie dinner.
What charges does the suspect face, and what’s next?
Allen is expected to be arraigned Monday in federal court. He faces at least two charges: using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Police said Allen was not previously known to law enforcement. He was taken to a hospital following his arrest, though officials have not released details about his condition as of Saturday morning.
Federal authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, including activity tied to the suspect in California. Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.