Who is Cole Tomas Allen? Journalist identifies ‘Teacher of the Month’ as suspect in White House Dinner shooting scare

A major security scare unfolded on Saturday night when gunshots were reported during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton. According to The Associated Press (AP), several attendees heard between five and eight shots inside the venue, triggering immediate panic.

US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials were swiftly evacuated by security personnel. All were later confirmed safe.

Within a short time, Trump took to Truth Social to confirm that the situation had been brought under control and that the suspect had been apprehended.

“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. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again,” he posted.

Also Read | ‘Let the show go on’: Trump urges calm, lauds Secret Service after White House dinner scare

He later added, “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”

Who is Cole Tomas Allen?

Fox News and New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz identified the suspected shooter as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California. Sharing details on X, she wrote, “The attempted shooter at the White House Correspondent's Dinner is 31 year old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California and he is in custody.”

Also Read | Trump releases first images of suspect in custody after White House dinner scare

Far-right activist Laura Loomer also named the same individual and made claims regarding his political affiliation and past donations. These claims have not been independently verified by authorities.

As per a report by Hindustan Times, unconfirmed online profiles believed to be linked to Allen have circulated widely. These suggest an academic background in mechanical engineering at Caltech, followed by a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills, along with a reported research fellowship at NASA. Another image doing the rounds appears to show him receiving a “Teacher of the Month” award in Los Angeles County. None of these details have been officially confirmed.

Investigation and eyewitness accounts

The FBI stated that its Washington Field Office responded to the incident and confirmed that the suspect is in custody.

Also Read | Trump evacuated after gunfire at White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said, “I have been taken out of the ballroom after the sound of the shots fired. The Secret Service is now in charge of this building, this hotel. I just spoke to Mayor Muriel Bowser. She is on her way, and (Police) Chief Jeffery Carroll is on his way. He will be in charge as soon as he gets here.”

CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer, who was present at the venue, described the moment, saying, "It was a very, very serious weapon, he starts shooting.” He added, “I happened to been a few feet away from him as he was shooting. And of course, the first thing that went through my mind, is he trying to shoot me?”

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with further verified details expected.