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Shocking Motive Unveiled: Suspect’s Reason for White House Dinner Shooting Exposed

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Shocking Motive Unveiled: Suspect’s Reason for White House Dinner Shooting Exposed

The individual accused of attempting to infiltrate the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is suspected of planning to target figures within the Trump administration, according to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old educator hailing from Torrance, California, was reportedly caught trying to rush past a security barrier while armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives during the Saturday evening event.

In an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service personnel, Allen was subdued and arrested. A bullet struck one agent’s protective vest, but they are expected to make a full recovery. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.

Blanche detailed that Allen is believed to have traveled by train, beginning his journey in California, passing through Chicago, and eventually arriving in Washington, D.C. He had checked into the Washington Hilton Hotel, the venue for the dinner, several days prior.

Investigations into Allen’s digital devices have uncovered evidence suggesting that his plan was to target members of the administration attending the event.

‘It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president,’ Blanche told NBC’s Meet the Press.

The suspect is believed to have purchased the firearms he carried within the last couple of years, Blanche said. He is not being cooperative and is expected to face multiple charges on Monday. 

‘He failed,’ Blanche said. ‘Law enforcement did their jobs.’ 

Allen, a teacher from Torrance, California, did not say if he was targeting the president or anyone in particular, according to anonymous sources

Allen, a teacher from Torrance, California, did not say if he was targeting the president or anyone in particular, according to anonymous sources 

Several Secret Service agents were seen with their guns drawn as they gave people orders

Several Secret Service agents were seen with their guns drawn as they gave people orders 

Top cabinet officials were seen getting rushed to safety by Secret Service agents. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr and his wife Cheryl Hines are pictured getting taken to safety

Top cabinet officials were seen getting rushed to safety by Secret Service agents. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr and his wife Cheryl Hines are pictured getting taken to safety

Allen had told law enforcement that he wanted to shoot administration officials but did not say whether he was targeting President Donald Trump or anyone particular in the administration, CBS News previously reported, citing anonymous sources.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an annual black-tie gala that brings politicians and journalists together, was barely underway when the Secret Service was forced to leap into action after a series of shots rang out.

Trump released surveillance footage of Allen, dressed in all black, sprinting inside the Washington Hilton Hotel with a gun in hand before he was rushed by armed guards. 

Journalists in the room captured images of top administration officials getting rushed to safety.  

Video footage showed Vice President JD Vance being frantically helped off stage by Secret Service agents as Trump and Melania ducked for cover.

Clips then showed several agents reach for the President and quickly pull him to safety.

Other images showed chaos quickly unfolding, with one picture showing House Speaker Mike Johnson being rushed out of the venue by Secret Service members.

Another image showed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines ducking as they ran to safety.

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is thought to have been targeting members of the Trump administration when he charged into the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night. He is pictured after he was tackled to the ground and arrested

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is thought to have been targeting members of the Trump administration when he charged into the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night. He is pictured after he was tackled to the ground and arrested

House Speaker Mike Johnson being rushed out of the venue by Secret Service members

House Speaker Mike Johnson being rushed out of the venue by Secret Service members

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both rushed off stage from the White House Correspondents' Dinner after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both rushed off stage from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton

Right behind them was Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and his wife Katie Miller.

After everyone was rushed to safety, the president spoke at a White House press briefing in the West Wing within an hour of the violence.

‘It’s always shocking when something like this happens,’ he said. ‘I heard a noise and kinda thought it was a tray going down.’

Trump said that immediately Melania Trump recognized the sound as a ‘bad noise,’ adding that ‘it was a rather traumatic experience for her.’

‘Melania was very cognizant,’ he continued.

The President also shared his wife’s fear for his safety given the multiple assassination attempts against him.

Federal prosecutors have announced that Allen is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.

He is expected to be arraigned in federal court on Monday.

An agent is seen drawing his gun and shouting after gunshots were heard at the dinner

An agent is seen drawing his gun and shouting after gunshots were heard at the dinner 

Several gunshots rang out as panicked attendees immediately ducked under their tables to protect themselves. A few journalists stayed seated or knelt, filming the chaos

Several gunshots rang out as panicked attendees immediately ducked under their tables to protect themselves. A few journalists stayed seated or knelt, filming the chaos

If convicted, Allen could face 20 years in jail for the assault, while the weapons charges come with a minimum of ten years with a possibility of life behind bars if fired.

‘It is clear, based upon what we know so far, this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could,’ United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said.

‘There will be many more charges based upon the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation,’ she added. 

Cops swarmed on Allen’s parents’ $877,000 home on Saturday night shortly after he was arrested.

Officials said Allen had no prior criminal record and was not previously known to law enforcement in Washington, DC.

He is one of four siblings, including two sisters, Stephanie and Arviana, and a brother, Gabriel, according to publicly available information.

Photographs circulating online showed him smiling alongside family members at graduations and gatherings.

His social media details he is highly educated and academically accomplished.

Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Computer Science from a California State University

Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Computer Science from a California State University

The Allen family are seen with Allen, second from right, together with brother Gabriel, his mother Kathy, father, Thomas, and sisters Stephanie and Avriana

The Allen family are seen with Allen, second from right, together with brother Gabriel, his mother Kathy, father, Thomas, and sisters Stephanie and Avriana

Harrowing surveillance footage captured the moment gun-wielding shooter Cole Tomas Allen stormed past security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

Harrowing surveillance footage captured the moment gun-wielding shooter Cole Tomas Allen stormed past security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

On LinkedIn, he describes himself as: ‘A mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth.’

Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology and later a Master of Science in Computer Science from a California State University.

During his time at Caltech, Allen listed his involvement in the Caltech Christian Fellowship and the Caltech Nerf Club.

More recently, Allen had been working in education. In December 2024, he was named Teacher of the Month at C2 Education, a recognition typically reserved for standout instructors.

United States Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn called Allen ‘a coward’ who ‘attempted to create a national tragedy.’

‘He underestimated the protective capabilities of the U.S. Secret Service, and was stopped at first contact,’ Quinn said before commending agents for their fast response.

California Resident Cole Allen Named Suspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Incident

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California Resident Cole Allen Named Suspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Incident

A man from Southern California is at the center of a dramatic episode at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where he allegedly stormed a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and fired at a Secret Service officer. This revelation comes from ABC News.

Identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen from Torrance, California, the suspected assailant is now in police custody, ABC News has verified.

The unexpected breach caused widespread panic within the ballroom, but law enforcement was quick to apprehend Allen, restoring order to the event.

FBI swarms suspect’s Torrance home

Onlookers from Eyewitness News observed the arrival of FBI agents at Allen’s residence on Gramercy Avenue in Torrance. The neighborhood saw a significant police presence, featuring FBI personnel in tactical gear and armored vehicles.

Video footage from AIR7 captured interactions between the home’s occupants and federal agents on the porch. As the investigation unfolded, spotlights illuminated a second-story window and the main entrance of the house.

Agents finally made entry shortly before midnight.

Before agents arrived, ABC7 Reporter Kevin Ozebek was able to knock on the door where authorities believe Allen lives. No one answered, but a neighbor said he often sees Allen riding his moped in the neighborhood.

Eyewitness News video shows a large crowd of neighbors behind crime scene tape in the Torrance neighborhood.

“I walked the dog over here, and I got caught up in this circus of helicopters, media, and neighbors,” said Erik Orrie, who lives nearby.

“The fact that his home is here doesn’t define the city of Torrance this way. The action of one person does not represent the entire city,” Torrance Mayor George Chen told ABC7 at the scene. He noted that Allen is not a teacher at a Torrance school, and is instead a tutor for a private company.

What we know about Cole Allen

According to a LinkedIn page connected to the suspect, Allen is a trained mechanical engineer who now works as a tutor.

His current employer, C2 Education, named Allen “Teacher of the Month” just last year, according to the LinkedIn page.

He describes himself on LinkedIn as a “Mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth.”

Investigators in Washington, D.C., say the motive in the shooting remains unknown. According to voter registration records, Allen is listed as “no party preference.”

Law enforcement sources tell ABC News they have Allen’s phone and other devices and are waiting on a judge to sign off on a search warrant so they can go through the devices.

Sources also say that, as of right now, it appears Allen went from Los Angeles to Chicago before traveling to Washington, D.C.

READ MORE: Trump safe, suspect in custody after shooting incident outside White House Correspondents Dinner

What happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?

President Donald Trump posted a video showing agents taking down the suspect, who he said “charged a security checkpoint armed with many weapons.”

“He started running from 50 yards, and he was fast. He was like a blur on tape,” Trump said of the suspect.

In another post on Truth Social, Trump shared photos of the alleged shooter face-down on the ground after being apprehended.

Law enforcement detains a suspect in the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, in Washington, April 25, 2026.
Law enforcement detains a suspect in the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, in Washington, April 25, 2026.@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social

As agents engaged with the suspect, a chaotic scene unfolded inside the Washington Hilton hotel ballroom. Officers in tactical gear with long guns jumped over tables, brandishing their weapons as the president and other dignitaries, such as Vice President JD Vance, were rushed from the stage.

Attendees ducked under their tables.

“It is always shocking when something like this happens,” Trump told reporters at a press briefing from the White House later Saturday night.

The shooting incident took place near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, according to the Secret Service.

During the press briefing, Trump said that a Secret Service member was shot, but the bullet hit the agent’s protective vest. The president said he spoke with the agent, and he was in good spirits.

“I told him we love him and respect him, and he’s a very proud guy,” he said.

Saturday was the first correspondents’ dinner that Trump had attended as president. He was scheduled to speak.

The dinner was underway, and Trump, the first lady and other dignitaries were sitting at the main table and White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang was chatting with the dinner’s host Oz Pearlman, when some attendees said they heard several loud bangs shortly after 8:30 p.m. ET.

In a social media post, Trump praised the Secret Service for their work.

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” he said.

In a later post, Trump said law enforcement requested attendees leave the premises and the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days.

“We very much wanted to continue it, because I don’t want to let these sick people, these thugs change the fabric of our lives, change what we do,” Trump told reporters.

Jiang initially told the crowd at the Washington Hilton ballroom that the program would continue however, she later told the crowd that they had to leave.

“I said earlier tonight that journalism is a public service because when there is an emergency, we run to the crisis, not away from it,” she told the crowd.

“And on a night when we are thinking about the freedoms in the First Amendment, we must also think about how fragile they are. I saw all of you reporting, and that’s what we do,” Jiang added.

ABC News contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Melania Trump’s Astonishing Reaction Amid Gunfire Scare at White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shocks Attendees

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Melania Trump’s Astonishing Reaction Amid Gunfire Scare at White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shocks Attendees

An image capturing the candid reaction of First Lady Melania Trump during a frightening incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has taken the internet by storm. The photograph, which has swiftly spread across social media, reveals Melania’s startled expression at the exact moment gunfire erupted outside the event.

Seated beside President Trump, the first lady’s face visibly shifts to one of shock and alarm as the chaos unfolded. This unsettling moment at the Washington Hilton disrupted what had been an otherwise lighthearted evening.

The dramatic turn of events occurred just as mentalist Oz Pearlman was engaging President Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt with one of his tricks. The atmosphere, filled with anticipation and amusement, quickly shifted to confusion and fear as the sound of gunshots pierced the evening.


First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump react to reports of shots fired at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner at the Washington Hilton, Saturday, March 25, 2026, in Washington.
First lady Melania Trump had a stunned reaction to the first report of gunshots at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night. Pool

This striking image has resonated across social media platforms, with many users highlighting Melania’s reaction as a poignant reminder of the sudden terror that gripped everyone present. Her expression serves as a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the immediate impact of the unnerving situation.

Follow the latest on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner:

The image has quickly gone viral across social media, with users pointing to Melania’s expression as a raw glimpse into the sudden terror that gripped the room.

“Seconds before Trump is rushed off stage, the expression on her face is unlike we’ve ever seen,” one X user wrote.


New York Post newspaper cover reporting an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at a press gala.
The front page of the New York Post on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

“Melania Trump’s look of panic when she realizes something is wrong is chilling,” another X user commented.

Follow The Post’s live updates on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

“Melania’s shocked reaction says it all,” another X user wrote.

Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Declined Focus and Elevated Dementia Risk

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In Brief

  • Every 10 per cent rise in ultra-processed foods can worsen focus and slower thinking.
  • These effects occur even in people following otherwise healthy diets.

Recent research reveals that consuming a diet rich in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may subtly impair cognitive function, even for those who generally maintain a nutritious diet.

An analysis involving over 2,100 Australians, who were middle-aged and older and free from dementia, indicated that high intake of extensively processed foods can detrimentally affect the brain’s concentration abilities and heighten the risk of dementia.

Conducted by Monash University, the study demonstrated that even slight upticks in UPF consumption were associated with reduced attention spans.

Dr. Barbara Cardoso, the study’s lead researcher, highlighted that these effects were not only consistent but also quantifiable.

“With each 10 percent rise in ultra-processed food intake, there was a clear and quantifiable decrease in an individual’s focus,” she explained.

She said a 10 per cent increase in UPFs is roughly equivalent to adding a standard packet of chips to your daily diet.

In clinical terms, this translated into lower scores on standardised tests, with a decrease in focus and slower thinking.

What counts as ultra-processed food?

Ultra-processed foods include widely consumed items such as soft drinks, packaged salty snacks and ready-made meals — products that are far removed from their original wholefood form.

Participants in the study consumed an average of 41 per cent of their daily energy from these foods, closely aligning with Australia’s national average of 42 per cent.

“The more ultra processed foods they consumed, the worse their capacity was to focus or concentrate,” Cardoso told SBS News.

A pile of cheeseburgers and french fries
Ultra processed foods are linked to higher risk of dementia. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

“The data suggests that these foods can be detrimental to cognitive health, starting from the young adulthood stage of life.”

Healthy diets not a safeguard

One of the study’s most significant findings was that that UPFs had negative effects regardless of overall diet quality.

Even individuals following otherwise healthy dietary patterns, including Mediterranean-style diets, experienced declines in attention when they increased their intake of UPFs.

This suggests that how food is processed may matter just as much as what nutrients it contains.

“The adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet did not counterbalance the negative association we found for ultra-processed foods,” Cardoso said.

She noted that ultra-processing of food often destroys its natural structure, introducing potentially harmful substances like artificial additives or processing chemicals.

‘They end up transforming the food matrix to remove some important components of the food and also adding some other ingredients that we don’t normally have in our pantry like emulsifiers [and] colourants, which seem to have detrimental health effects.”

A variety of large of fruits, vegetables, legumes, pasta, rice, bread on a wooden tabletop
A generally healthy diet doesn’t counterbalance the increased risk of dementia for those who eat ultra processed foods. Source: Getty / fcafotodigital

A warning sign for long-term brain health

While the study did not find a direct link between ultra-processed foods and memory loss, researchers emphasised that attention is a foundational cognitive function.

It underpins critical processes such as learning, decision-making and problem-solving, meaning even subtle declines could have broader implications over time.

Higher consumption of UPFs was also associated with increased dementia risk factors, including conditions like high blood pressure and obesity, which are managed to help protect brain health.

“We know that ultra-processed foods are associated with cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, which are conditions tightly associated with dementia risk,” Cardoso said.

A growing area of concern

The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that industrial food processing itself, not just poor nutrition, may play a role in cognitive decline.

With ultra-processed foods making up a significant portion of the average Australian diet, researchers say the results highlight the importance of looking beyond traditional definitions of “healthy eating”.

One form of dementia closely linked to lifestyle factors is vascular dementia, caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain.

While there is currently no treatment, researchers at UNSW Sydney have just mapped out new potential genetic targets aimed at developing future therapies.

An old woman and a young woman sitting in a living room doing a crossword
There is growing evidence that some forms of dementia are closely linked to poor lifestyle choices Source: Getty / Johner Images/Johner RF

Dr Matthew Lennon from the University of NSW told SBS News that this research looks at what medications could be repurposed, and what new molecules could be invented to try to target these genes.

He added a large proportion of the risk is linked to lifestyle and genetics, including things like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and obesity.

The Monash University study draws on data from the Healthy Brain Project and was supported by organisations including the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.

Former Philippine President Duterte Set to Stand Trial for Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

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Former Philippine President Duterte Set to Stand Trial for Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

On Thursday, the International Criminal Court’s judges upheld charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. These charges stem from the deadly anti-drug operations he is accused of directing during his time in office.

A panel of three judges reached a unanimous decision, declaring there are “substantial grounds” to suspect Duterte’s involvement in numerous killings. These alleged acts occurred during his tenure as mayor of Davao in the southern Philippines and continued into his presidency.

Duterte, now 80 years old, was apprehended in the Philippines last year and maintains his innocence regarding these accusations.

In a detailed 50-page ruling, the judges concluded that evidence indicates Duterte “developed, disseminated, and implemented” a strategy aimed at “neutralizing” individuals accused of criminal activity.

Rodrigo Duterte with his hand raised.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte was seen answering questions about his drug war before lawmakers at the Senate on October 28, 2024, in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

According to prosecutors, police and hit squad members carried out dozens of murders at Duterte’s behest, motivated by the promise of money or to avoid becoming targets themselves.

“For some, killing reached the level of a perverse form of competition,” deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang told the court in pretrial hearings in February.

A date for the start of the trial has not yet been set.

Duterte’s lead defense lawyer Nick Kaufman told judges during the February hearings that he “stands behind his legacy resolutely, and he maintains his innocence absolutely.”

Former President Rodrigo Duterte speaking inside Southorn Stadium in Hong Kong

Former President Rodrigo Duterte speaks inside Southorn Stadium during a thanksgiving gathering organized by Hong Kong-based Filipino workers on March 9, 2025. (AP)

Kaufman argued that the prosecution “cherry-picked” examples of Duterte’s “bombastic rhetoric,” and his client’s words were never intended to incite violence.

Estimates of the death toll during Duterte’s presidential term vary, from the more than 6,000 that the national police have reported to up to 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.

Duterte has not been present in the courtroom for any hearings, having waived his right to appear. Last month judges found he was fit to stand trial, after postponing an earlier hearing over concerns about his health.

Security officers patrolling airport in Manila after former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest

Security officers patrol the airport in Manila, Philippines, after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025. (Aaron Favila/AP)

ICC prosecutors said in 2018 that they would open a preliminary investigation into the violent drug crackdowns. In a move that human rights activists say was aimed at avoiding accountability, Duterte, who was president at the time, announced a month later that the Philippines would leave the court.

On Wednesday, appeals judges rejected a request from Duterte’s legal team to throw out the case on the grounds that the court did not have jurisdiction because of the Philippine withdrawal.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Delivers Heartfelt Earth Day Message

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, Delivers Heartfelt Earth Day Message

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has expressed a profound sentiment about the connection between humanity and the natural world, suggesting that nature has the power to remind us of our rightful place within it. Her reflections came on a significant occasion—Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, 2026.

In a rare and personal gesture, the 44-year-old royal shared her thoughts on Instagram, marking Earth Day with a heartfelt message. Accompanying her words were five evocative landscape images from her ongoing Mother Nature video series, which has been gradually unveiled on YouTube over the past year. This series has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and poignant messages about environmental stewardship.

Catherine, Princess of Wales has marked Earth Day

Catherine, Princess of Wales has marked Earth Day

In her post, signed with a simple ‘C’ to signify her personal authorship, Catherine wrote: “When we listen to the rhythms of Mother Nature, we remember where we belong.” Her statement, concise yet meaningful, underscores the importance of tuning into the natural world, especially on a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues.

The Princess of Wales’ message resonates deeply in a time when many are seeking a deeper connection with the environment. By sharing her thoughts on Earth Day, Catherine not only highlights the significance of the day but also encourages a collective reflection on our relationship with the planet.

“#EarthDay2026

“Watch the seasonal Mother Nature films on YouTube.(sic)”

The most recent Mother Nature video, Winter, was added to Catherine and her husband Prince William’s YouTube account in January to mark the princess’ 44th birthday.

The video followed the royal – who revealed in January 2025 she was in remission following a course of preventative chemotherapy after she was found to have cancer following abdominal surgery – on an early morning walk in Berkshire as she explained the benefits of the natural world to viewers through a voiceover.

In a voiceover for the film Winter, Catherine said: “Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration.

“Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection.

“To discover the deepest parts of ourselves. Alongside the whispers in the pulse of every living thing.

“I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am.

“For the rivers within us flow with ease, fears washed away, cleanse and purify. Come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive.

“To be at one with nature; a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides.

“In memory. Helping us to heal.”

The video was released on William and Catherine’s social media channels instead of an official birthday portrait.

The princess posted a message accompanying the video: “The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal, creative reflection on how nature has helped me heal. But it is also a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing.

“There is so much we can learn from mother nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world. C.”


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FBI Conducts Raid on Cole Allen’s Home Near Los Angeles, Suspected in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting

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FBI Conducts Raid on Cole Allen’s Home Near Los Angeles, Suspected in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting

TORRANCE, California — In a dramatic turn of events late Saturday, the FBI executed a raid on the residence of Cole Allen, the individual suspected of disrupting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with gunfire. The typically tranquil suburbs of Los Angeles were engulfed in tension as law enforcement descended on the scene.

Allen, a 31-year-old who graduated in mechanical engineering from CalTech, allegedly initiated chaos by breaching a security checkpoint and firing a shotgun inside the Washington Hilton during the prestigious annual event. This information comes from sources within law enforcement.

As the night unfolded, a convoy of FBI vehicles, including armored trucks, surrounded Allen’s Torrance home. Agents, dressed in camouflage tactical gear, moved swiftly to secure the area, hours ahead of The Post’s arrival.

According to ABC 7, brief interactions took place between the home’s occupants and the federal agents on the porch. The tense atmosphere was heightened as a spotlight from one of the trucks illuminated the property, primarily the second-floor window overlooking the driveway.

Reports indicate that agents made their initial entry into the residence just before midnight, marking a crucial step in the ongoing investigation.

The highly anticipated White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the first Trump has attended as president, came to a screeching halt when a gunman cut past security and opened fire mere steps away from the packed ballroom.

The president and first lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the room by security — followed by Vice President JD Vance and a slew of other top officials.

Follow the latest on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner:

Trump later shared pictures of Allen, shirtless and subdued while officers pinned him to the floor, on TruthSocial.

While Allen wasn’t formally identified as the suspect during Saturday’s press conference, Trump did repeatedly note that the “sick” gunman hailed from California.

Sources told ABC 7 that Allen apparently trekked from Los Angeles, just outside of his hometown, to Chicago before heading to Washington, DC.

Neighbor Jeff Smith said he met Allen one time.

“The one interaction I had was like, maybe he could be on the spectrum,” he said.

Widow of Titan Submersible Tragedy Reveals Husband and Son’s Remains Returned in Small Containers

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Widow of Titan Submersible Tragedy Reveals Husband and Son’s Remains Returned in Small Containers

Three years following the tragic Titan Submersible incident, Christine Dawood recalls the poignant moment when her husband and son’s remains were returned to her after a lengthy nine-month wait. She described receiving their remains in modest boxes, reminiscent of “shoeboxes.”

In an interview with the Guardian, Dawood recounted the somber experience, stating, “It took nine months for us to get them back. And when I say bodies, it’s more about the remnants. They arrived in two small boxes, like shoeboxes.”

She further explained that there was little left to be recovered of her husband, Shahzada Dawood, 48, and their 19-year-old son, Suleman, from London, following the catastrophic implosion.

“They have a large collection of indistinguishable DNA, all jumbled together, and they offered if I wanted some of that, too. I declined, opting only for what is assuredly Suleman and Shahzada,” she shared.

Shahzada and Suleman were among five individuals who perished, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, businessman Hamish Harding, and Titanic authority Paul-Henri Nargeolet, when the submersible suffered a fatal implosion during its descent to the Titanic wreckage in the North Atlantic on June 18, 2023.

Suleman Dawood and Shahzada Dawood pose for a photo

Suleman Dawood, left, and his father Shahzada Dawood.  (Engro Corporation)

Dawood told the Guardian she remembers the last time she saw her husband and son that morning they got in the submersible as she battled seasickness aboard the ship that took them out to where they descended.

“Suleman had his Rubik’s Cube, because he was planning to get the record for solving it at the deepest depth ever,” she remembered. “And we were giggling, because Shahzada is clumsy and when he was going down the stairs he was wobbling a bit. I waved. And that was it. They got into a dinghy and sped off. It went very fast, the goodbye.”

A few hours later in the ship’s dining room, Dawood heard someone say: “They’ve lost communications.”

When they realized she overheard, the person added: “’Don’t worry, it’s not unusual.’ In that moment, what am I supposed to do? I felt trapped on that ship and I had no choice but to trust what they told me.”

She said she tried to keep her anxiety at bay, telling herself, “they were stuck” in the submersible. 

A boat with OceanGate branding docked in a boatyard near company headquarters

A boat with OceanGate branding is docked in the boatyard near the company headquarters at the Port of Everett complex in Everett, Wash., on June 22, 2023. (Matt Mills McKnight/Reuters)

“But I was worried. Suleman is not … well, both my men, they’re not very good at being in the dark, and I knew it would be a very different darkness down there. Nothing. You literally can’t see a thing,” she said.

She said everyone on the ship was in complete denial.

“The crew were [acting] like nothing was happening,” she said, saying the crew suggested it would just take time for the crew to be found unharmed.

“It did cross my mind that OceanGate had ulterior motivations about what they told us,” she added. “They were just trying to avoid the truth. But I would have deteriorated a lot quicker without hope.”

As they waited, she said the crew scheduled jamming sessions and movies to pass the time.

Former OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush standing near the Titan submersible

Former OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush stands near the Titan submersible. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

“Ultimately, I think they wanted to distract people, keep everyone occupied,” she said. “They wanted everyone onside, not to feed anything to the press. But jamming sessions? Am I really going to sit there and sing Kumbaya? I did try to give a movie a go, but when I got there it felt like an act of betrayal. Watching ‘Wayne’s World’ while they are trapped in the dark did not sit well with me.”

After an extensive search, the remains of the submersible were found on the ocean floor.

The U.S. Coast Guard called it a “catastrophic implosion.”

“My first thought was, thank God,” Dawood said. “When they said catastrophic, I knew Shahzada and Suleman didn’t even know about it. One moment they were there and the next they weren’t. Knowing they didn’t suffer has been so important. They’re gone, but the way they went does somehow make it easier.”

Once she knew they were gone, Dawood said she had to deal with the practical details.

“What was I going to do with their stuff?” she said. “Their bags? Shahzada’s clothes and things were in my cabin, so I packed his bags. But I didn’t pack Suleman’s. I couldn’t. Someone else did that.”

US Rear Adm. John Mauger speaking at US Coast Guard Base Boston

Commander First Coast Guard District in Boston, Rear Adm. John Mauger, speaks during a news conference about debris found on the ocean floor indicating a catastrophic loss of pressure in the missing submersible near the Titanic wreck, June 22, 2023. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency)

Last year, the Coast Guard released a report, calling the implosion a “preventable tragedy,” blaming OceanGate’s culture of avoiding regulating and “negligence” on safety.

“From the beginning, I had a lot of reasons to hate Stockton, but does that really help me?” Dawood said. “He died with them. If I’m angry with him, I’m giving him power, and I refuse to do that. I’m sure people will say I’m naive, but if I start to analyse every single thing, where does that lead me? So, I choose my own … not happiness but … I choose me, every day. If I don’t, I wouldn’t be here. I would have killed myself, for sure.”

She added that she tries to give her grief “attention.”

“So I go into Suleman’s room. Sometimes I find the cat sleeping on his pillow and I sit on the bed and let the grief come,” she admitted. “And after a while I can put the grief away until the next time it gets too much. I’ve worked a lot on my grief for Suleman, but I’m only now starting to grieve for my husband. Publicly they are always put together, but they are two different relationships. Two very different pains.”

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Cole Tomas Allen Faces Charges Following White House Correspondents’ Dinner Incident

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Cole Tomas Allen Faces Charges Following White House Correspondents’ Dinner Incident

Authorities have announced that Cole Tomas Allen, the suspected gunman at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, is now confronting multiple charges.

Allen, who is 31 years old, allegedly fired shots during the high-profile gathering, which included the President, key cabinet members, and a large contingent of journalists, on Saturday evening.

The Washington Hilton was the venue for the annual dinner, which had just commenced when the Secret Service was compelled to respond swiftly to the gunfire.

Officials reported that the suspect was detained after bypassing a security barrier and engaging in a gunfight with law enforcement officers.

Allen has been identified as a teacher from Torrance, California, according to the authorities.

Federal prosecutors have moved quickly and already announced he is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. 

He is expected to be arraigned in federal court on Monday. 

If convicted, Allen could face 20 years in jail for the assault, while the weapons charges come with a minimum of ten years with a possibility of life behind bars if fired.

‘It is clear, based upon what we know so far, this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could,’ United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said, adding that ‘there will be many more charges based upon the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation.’

Suspected White House Correspondents' Dinner shooter Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, is facing at least three charges

Suspected White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, is facing at least three charges

The Allen family are seen with Allen, second from right, together with brother Gabriel, his mother Kathy, father, Thomas, and sisters Stephanie and Avriana

The Allen family are seen with Allen, second from right, together with brother Gabriel, his mother Kathy, father, Thomas, and sisters Stephanie and Avriana

Less than 18 months ago, Allen was named teacher of the month at a school in Torrance

Less than 18 months ago, Allen was named teacher of the month at a school in Torrance

Cops swarmed on Allen’s parents’ $877,000 home on Saturday night shortly after he was arrested.

Despite the scale of the attack, officials say Allen had no prior criminal record and was not previously known to law enforcement in Washington, DC.

He is one of four siblings, including two sisters, Stephanie and Arviana, and a brother, Gabriel, according to publicly available information.

Photographs circulating online show him smiling alongside family members at graduations and gatherings. 

His social media details he is highly educated and academically accomplished.

On LinkedIn, he describes himself as: ‘A mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth.’

Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology and later a Master of Science in Computer Science from a California State University.

During his time at Caltech, Allen listed his involvement in the Caltech Christian Fellowship and the Caltech Nerf Club.

More recently, Allen had been working in education. In December 2024, he was named Teacher of the Month at C2 Education, a recognition typically reserved for standout instructors.

It is a far cry from the violence which prosecutors say he unleashed in a DC hotel lobby on Saturday. 

Join the discussion

Does this raise bigger questions about security failures?

Allen has been charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence

Allen has been charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence

Allen was 'tackled to the ground' and handcuffed by law enforcement after he allegedly broke through a security checkpoint and opened fire

Allen was ‘tackled to the ground’ and handcuffed by law enforcement after he allegedly broke through a security checkpoint and opened fire

Members of law enforcement respond during the White House Correspondents Dinner. Allen can be seen lying on the ground with their hands behind his back

Members of law enforcement respond during the White House Correspondents Dinner. Allen can be seen lying on the ground with their hands behind his back

Authorities say Allen, armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives, charged toward the ballroom before being stopped.

Interim Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Jeffrey Carroll said the suspect was ‘tackled to the ground’ and handcuffed by law enforcement after exchanging gunfire with officers.

One officer was struck in his bulletproof vest and is expected to recover.

Carroll confirmed Allen was not hit by gunfire during the confrontation but he was taken to the hospital for an evaluation.

Investigators believe Allen was staying at the hotel where the dinner was being held.

‘So preliminary information, we do believe he was a guest here at the hotel. We have secured a room here in the hotel, and again, we’ll go through the appropriate procedures to determine what was inside there,’ Carroll said.

Inside the ballroom, hundreds of guests dove under tables as shots rang out nearby.

The President and First Lady were swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both rushed off stage from the White House Correspondents' Dinner after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both rushed off stage from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton

Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and his wife Cheryl Hines, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and his wife Katie Miller are escorted out of the room by Secret Service

Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and his wife Cheryl Hines, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and his wife Katie Miller are escorted out of the room by Secret Service

Law enforcement surrounds the Washington Hilton Hotel where shots were fired

Law enforcement surrounds the Washington Hilton Hotel where shots were fired

Late on Saturday night, the family home in Torrance was swarmed by armed officers looking for evidence connected to the shooting

Late on Saturday night, the family home in Torrance was swarmed by armed officers looking for evidence connected to the shooting

Allen seen here with family members including brother Gabriel, right, and his sisters Stephanie and Avriana

Allen seen here with family members including brother Gabriel, right, and his sisters Stephanie and Avriana

Cole Tomas Allen is seen, far left, alongside his siblings Gabriel, Stephanie and Avriana

Cole Tomas Allen is seen, far left, alongside his siblings Gabriel, Stephanie and Avriana

‘When you’re impactful, they go after you. When you’re not impactful, they leave you alone,’ Trump said hours later, describing the suspect as a ‘lone wolf’ and a ‘sick person.’

Authorities have said they have ‘no reason’ to believe anyone else was involved and have not identified any motive yet.

The charges already filed carry significant penalties and officials have made clear they are only the beginning.

Officials say Allen never breached the ballroom itself, crediting the rapid response of Secret Service and law enforcement for preventing what could have been a far more devastating outcome.

‘You saw the very worst by the actions of that coward, but you also saw the very best because you saw law enforcement do exactly what they’re supposed to do,’ Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. ‘I promise you justice will be served.’

Nine Injured in Kirkwood Area Shooting Near Indiana University

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Nine Injured in Kirkwood Area Shooting Near Indiana University

In the early hours of Sunday, a shooting incident near Indiana University’s Bloomington campus left nine individuals injured.

The shooting occurred just after midnight on Kirkwood Avenue, a popular gathering spot, as people celebrated the renowned “Little 500” college cycling event, according to WTHR.

Law enforcement arrived at the scene on the 400 block of East Kirkwood, just a short distance from the university, where they discovered several injured people.


Police investigate the scene of a shooting near the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington on April 26, 2026.
Police investigate the scene of a shooting near the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington on April 26, 2026. FOX59

By 3 a.m., nine individuals had been transported to nearby hospitals, with six of them taken by ambulance, as reported by the news outlet.

Authorities have yet to disclose the specifics regarding the severity or nature of the injuries sustained.

Witnesses recalled watching a fight break out amongst two women before the shooting occured.

“Two women fighting… I didn’t think too much of it,” a witness told the outlet.

“I figured the police would get to it. But then I saw a girl reach toward her pants leg and start firing. By then, I was already running the other way.”

Sunday’s shooting comes exactly a week after another mass shooting near the University of Iowa, another Midwest Big10 school.

Five people were wounded included three Iowa students in last weeks shooting.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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