The individual responsible for the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening has been identified as Cole Allen, hailing from Torrance, California.
Allen, age 31, and reportedly a teacher, was apprehended by federal law enforcement after shots were fired close to the main security checkpoint of the event shortly after 8:30 p.m.
Stay updated with The Post’s live coverage of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.
It seems Allen managed to assemble a “long” firearm in a sparsely monitored area near the terrace-level entrance before he opened fire and made his way towards the ballroom.
There was mention of a “makeshift room” near the entrance, which was being used for bar cart storage and reportedly lacked security presence at the time.
Witness Helen Mabus, a volunteer at the event, recounted that Allen retrieved the weapon from a bag, describing it as “long” and unlike a conventional firearm.
Witnesses described a frantic scene inside the venue after seven to eight shots were fired.
Attendees dove under tables as confusion spread. One journalist said guests “crawled under our table for what felt like a long time.”
President Donald Trump praised law enforcement for acting quickly.
“Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, where he posted a photo of the suspect.
“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” he added.
Law enforcement will soon search the suspect’s Torrance residence, according to the president.
Trump also said a Secret Service agent was shot at close range but is expected to recover.
The annual event has been delayed and will be rescheduled within 30 days, according to Trump.
