President Donald Trumphas publicly released photographs of the suspect in the April 25 shooting at the Washington Hilton, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California .
The images, posted on Truth Social shortly after the incident, show the suspect shirtless on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back, surrounded by Secret Service agents.
The dramatic scene unfolded at approximately 8:30 PM Eastern Time during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, one of Washington’s premier social events attended by over 2,600 guests including the President, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members, journalists, and diplomats.
A Lone Attacker’s Attempt
According to authorities, Allen, a guest at the Washington Hilton, approached a security checkpoint outside the ballroom armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives .
When he attempted to force his way through the magnetometer, Secret Service officers confronted him. Gunfire was exchanged, and a Secret Service agent was struck by a bullet but saved by his bulletproof vest . The agent was transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in good spirits.
Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by security agents as chaos erupted. Hundreds of black-tie guests dove under tables while agents shouted “Get down!” . The President, First Lady, and other VIPs were evacuated to secure areas while tactical teams secured the venue.
President Trump’s Response
In a hastily arranged White House press conference following the shooting, Trump praised the Secret Service’s swift response, describing Allen as a “lone wolf” who was “taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service.
He confirmed his decision to release the suspect’s images, stating he had instructed authorities to make them public .”The First Lady and I were off the stage before we even knew what was happening,” Trump told reporters, adding that the incident had been “traumatic” for his wife.
He noted that the Washington Hilton was “not a particularly secure facility” and used the incident to renew his call for building a dedicated ballroom on White House grounds.
Background of the Suspect Cole Allen
Cole Tomas Allen’s profile has shocked many who knew him. A graduate of the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) with a degree in mechanical engineering, Allen also earned a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025.
At the time of the attack, he was working as a part-time tutor at C2 Education, where he was named “Teacher of the Month” in December 2024 .In 2017, Allen was featured in a KABC-TV news segment demonstrating a prototype for an emergency brake system for wheelchairs, a device he developed as a student .
He also identified as an independent video game developer, having released a title called “Bohrdom” on the Steam gaming platform .Allen had no prior criminal record and was registered to vote in California with “no party preference.” Federal Election Commission records show he made a $25 donation to Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign.
The Manifesto and Motive
Before the attack, Allen reportedly sent a letter to family members, portions of which were published by the New York Post and confirmed by USA TODAY . In the letter, he described himself as a “friendly federal assassin” and wrote that he intended to target Trump administration officials “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest” .”On to why I did any of this: I am a citizen of the United States of America.
What my representatives do reflects on me. And I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” Allen wrote .Authorities are investigating potential triggers including the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war, domestic political issues, and the administration’s stance on LGBTQ rights, as Allen reportedly expressed empathetic views toward transgender issues in some writings .
Trump has characterized Allen as a “troubled guy” motivated by religious hatred, telling Fox News that the suspect’s writings showed a “hatred” for Christians.
Legal Proceedings
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that Allen faces federal charges including assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence. He is scheduled to be formally arraigned in federal court on Monday, April 27.
Authorities said Allen is “not actively cooperating” with investigators .For attending journalists accustomed to covering news rather than becoming part of it, the evening was unforgettable.
One reporter, still in formal wear, was overheard saying, “This wasn’t in the press briefing schedule.” Meanwhile, the White House Correspondents’ Association announced the dinner would be rescheduled within the coming weeks