The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen. Credit: X | jayplemons
Authorities have identified the individual suspected of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher and video game developer from Southern California, according to CNN.
Allen, who lives in Torrance, a city near Los Angeles, was named by law enforcement sources as the armed individual apprehended close to the venue where President Donald Trump and other senior officials were in attendance.
Records indicate that Allen worked part-time at C2 Education, a tutoring and test preparation firm, where he earned “teacher of the month” recognition in December 2024.
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Information from his LinkedIn profile shows he graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 with a degree in mechanical engineering and later obtained a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
During his time as a student, Allen was featured in a 2017 local news story for designing a prototype emergency braking system for wheelchairs.
He also identified himself as a game developer and is believed to have released an independent title called Bohrdom on the Steam platform. Further records show he trademarked the game in 2018 and had been developing another project under the working title First Law.
Data from the Federal Election Commission shows that Allen donated $25 to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign in October 2024.
Officials say the suspect was carrying multiple weapons and was taken into custody after forcing his way through a security checkpoint at the event, held at the Washington Hilton.
The shooting caused chaos at the high-profile gathering, prompting the swift evacuation of President Trump, the First Lady, and other dignitaries.
A Secret Service agent was injured during the incident but survived after the bullet struck a protective vest.
Investigators are continuing their probe, and authorities have not yet established a motive for the attack.
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