Suspect Identified in Shooting Outside White House Correspondents' Dinner; Federal Charges Filed

Federal authorities have identified Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, as the suspect in a shooting outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel on April 25, 2026. Law enforcement officials said Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives when he attempted to charge a security checkpoint outside the event attended by President Trump and other top officials.

Authorities reported that at least five to eight gunshots were fired during the incident. A Secret Service agent was struck by at least one round but was protected by a bulletproof vest and is expected to recover. No attendees were seriously injured, and President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were safely evacuated, according to officials.

Allen, who was a guest at the hotel and had checked in the day before, was apprehended at the scene and taken to a hospital for evaluation. He was not struck by gunfire. Law enforcement sources said Allen traveled to Washington, D.C., by train from Los Angeles via Chicago. Investigators have obtained his cellphone and other electronics and are reviewing writings found in the hotel as part of the ongoing investigation into his motive. Officials said Allen is not cooperating with investigators, but acquaintances are being interviewed.

U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro announced that Allen will face charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Allen is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on Monday.