Investigators are examining travel, writings and weapons tied to the California man.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal investigators on Sunday were tracing the movements of a California man accused of firing shots near a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where President Donald Trump was rushed from the stage unharmed.
The suspect, identified by officials as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arrested Saturday night at the Washington Hilton after a burst of gunfire outside the ballroom. Authorities said a federal officer was hit in a protective vest, while Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet members were moved to safety.
Officials said Allen had checked into the hotel before the dinner and later approached the screening area with multiple weapons. Surveillance footage showed a man moving quickly toward the checkpoint, according to accounts from officials. Secret Service agents and other law enforcement officers stopped him before he reached the room where hundreds of guests were gathered.
Allen’s background quickly became part of the federal inquiry. Officials and public records described him as a Torrance resident with engineering and computer science training who had worked as a tutor. Investigators were also reviewing writings, devices and possible communications with relatives or associates. Officials said the motive remained under investigation.
The attack interrupted Trump’s first White House Correspondents’ Dinner appearance as a sitting president. The annual black-tie event honors the White House press corps and is usually built around speeches, awards and comedy. Instead, guests described diving under tables as armed agents moved through the ballroom and security cleared parts of the hotel.
Federal officials said the suspect could face attempted murder and firearms charges, along with charges tied to assaulting a federal officer. The FBI, Secret Service and D.C. police were coordinating the investigation. Authorities also searched locations tied to Allen in California and Washington as they worked to determine whether anyone else had knowledge of the plan.
Trump later said the gunman had been apprehended and credited law enforcement for preventing a worse outcome. White House Correspondents’ Association leaders said they were grateful no guests were killed and said the dinner would be rescheduled. The shooting also drew condemnation from officials abroad and renewed concern about threats at political gatherings.
By Sunday afternoon, officials said the suspect appeared to have acted alone, though they had not closed the investigation. The next public milestone is expected to be Allen’s first federal court appearance.
Author note: Last updated April 26, 2026.