Cole Allen identified as suspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher and engineer from Torrance, California, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Two sources familiar with the investigation confirmed Allen's identity to NPR, speaking on condition of anonymity. Allen, who has a background in mechanical engineering and computer science, was also a self-employed video game developer.

Minutes before the shooting, Allen reportedly sent a manifesto to his family, indicating his intention to target administration officials, according to a White House official. The official noted that Allen's brother alerted the police about the document. Furthermore, Allen's sister revealed that he had a history of making radical statements and had attended a protest in California. She also disclosed that he had purchased firearms, including two handguns and a shotgun, which were stored at their parents' home without their knowledge.

Allen has been charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, with U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro indicating that additional charges may follow. He is scheduled for arraignment in federal court on Monday. Allen's previous political engagement includes a $25 donation to Kamala Harris's presidential campaign in October 2024, as recorded by the Federal Elections Commission.