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The individual involved in the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been identified as a teacher from California.
According to information obtained by the Daily Mail, the suspect is 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, hailing from Torrance, a city near Los Angeles. He is accused of discharging a firearm at the Washington Hilton on Saturday evening.
Allen, a teacher in the Los Angeles region, was swiftly taken into custody by authorities shortly after he breached a security checkpoint. He now faces multiple charges, including those related to firearms and assault.
Police reported that the suspect was in possession of several weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
In a dramatic turn, President Trump released a striking image that showed the suspect shirtless, lying prone on the ground. Officials confirmed that the suspect was not injured by gunfire during his apprehension.
In photos taken moments after Cole was pinned to the floor by agents, officers can be seen restraining him as others moved in to secure the area.
Trump said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons before being stopped by the Secret Service. It’s believed Cole may have been a guest at the Hilton hotel where the event was taking place.
Surveillance video shows the suspect as a complete blur as he made a run for it after he breached a security checkpoint and attempted to reach the doors to the ballroom where the president was gathered along with his most senior cabinet members.
Cole is said to be a graduate of California State University (CSU) and CalTech.
President Donald Trump posted a photo of the alleged shooter on Saturday night, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California
Members of law enforcement respond during the White House Correspondents Dinner. A man can be seen lying on the ground with their hands behind his back
Agents stand guard after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner
During a press conference, Trump described him as ‘a sick person – a very sick person’.
‘He’s a lone wolf, a wack job. These are crazy people. Sick, sick people.’
Wolf Blitzer, who was inside the venue and just feet away from the shooter, told CNN the suspect was armed with a ‘major weapon’ and fired around six shots.
‘Apparently they got the gunman, he had a major weapon there, it was so worrisome. The noise was so loud. I was a few feet away from the gunman who was shooting randomly, half a dozen shots they were so loud,’ Blitzer said.
He continued: ‘Next thing I knew couple of police officers were jumping on me trying to protect me. I think then the gunman was shot, I could be wrong, but he stopped firing. I don’t know how an individual could get that close to the ballroom with a weapon like that – he clearly had a weapon he was clearly firing I don’t know if he was aiming at anyone. I was a few feet away from that but it was very, very frightening.’
The suspect’s identity has not yet been officially released, and authorities have not confirmed a motive. It also remains unclear how the individual was able to breach security perimeters and get so close to the ballroom entrance.
What is clear is the speed and force of the response.
Agents rushed to secure the room and evacuate President Trump, who had been preparing to deliver remarks.
President Donald Trump speaks, flanked by FBI Director Kash Patel and US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, during a press briefing at the White House shortly after the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
President Trump posted several photos of the suspect who is now in custody
As the suspect breached a security checkpoint he was little more than a blur on video
People take cover as agents stand guard after an incident at thedinner
Security officials evacuate U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson as a shooter opens fire
At one point, the president stumbled briefly, appearing to trip, before being helped up and escorted off stage.
From one corner of the room, a spontaneous chant of ‘God Bless America’ broke out as the evacuation unfolded.
Among those in attendance were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio – all of whom were safely removed from the venue.
Authorities say there were no immediate reports of injuries aside from a Secret Service Agent who was shot in the chest – but protected by his bullet proof vest.
Outside, the response intensified rapidly. Law enforcement and Secret Service personnel flooded the area, while members of the National Guard took up positions inside the building.
Guests were allowed to leave but were prevented from re-entering as security teams swept the premises.
A law enforcement official confirmed that a suspect had been apprehended, though officials have yet to release further information about the individual or whether they acted alone.
Officers assist guests to exit during the White House Correspondents Dinner,
Many guests were shaken up following the incident
The White House released a statement confirming a suspect was in custody.
‘The US Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.’
Shortly after being evacuated, Trump also posted a message on his Truth Social platform praising the response.
‘Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.’
Organizers initially considered resuming the dinner, but officials ultimately decided to cancel the event.