A Los Angeles County deputy district attorney recently disclosed his close ties with the family of the gunman detained at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Paul Thompson, a prosecutor in the major crimes division and a Democrat, shared with the California Post that he resides next to the family but described Cole Allen as someone who “pretty much kept to himself.”

Thompson, who is also campaigning for a judicial position on the county Superior Court, mentioned that he has been neighbors with the Allens for several years. He noted that Cole Allen, the gunman with a Caltech education, still lived with his parents at their home in Torrance, California.

Allen, aged 31, reportedly attempted to breach a security checkpoint and discharged a shotgun inside the Washington Hilton during the prestigious event on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred close to President Trump, was quickly handled by security agents.

Following the dramatic events at the dinner, FBI agents descended on the Allen residence in Southern California. Residents of the usually tranquil street observed as armored vehicles and tactical teams arrived in force.

Thompson, whose campaign sign was displayed on the Allens’ front lawn, is now under the spotlight as the community grapples with the unexpected turn of events involving his neighbor.

Thompson, who is running for a judicial seat on the county Superior Court and had a campaign sign on the Allens’ front lawn, said he has lived next to the family for a couple of years.

He told the Post: “I didn’t really know the guy that’s accused of committing the crimes in DC last night. I know his parents. Obviously we’ve been neighbors for a couple of years.”

He described Allen’s parents as “pretty normal, non-violent and friendly,” adding he may have interacted with them earlier the same day as the shooting.

Thompson said a campaign sign bearing his name was placed on the family’s lawn with the father’s permission.

He continued: “I’m friends with his father. I know them to be really nonviolent and peaceful people and solid citizens and residents of our neighborhood here.”

Investigators believe Allen may have been targeting high-ranking government officials.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect appeared to be aiming at members of the administration attending the dinner, which was also attended by Trump, the First Lady, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials.

All were safely evacuated after the gunfire erupted. Authorities are also reviewing writings allegedly linked to Allen that suggest he intended to attack government figures.

Sources say he traveled from Southern California to Washington DC in the days leading up to the incident.

Back in Torrance, neighbors expressed shock at the allegations, describing little interaction with Allen and no clear warning signs.

“The one interaction I had was like, maybe he could be on the spectrum,” one neighbor told reporters.

Allen, who worked for a tutoring and test prep company, had previously been recognized professionally, including being named “teacher of the month” in late 2024, according to social media posts.

The investigation remains ongoing as federal agents continue to search the Torrance property and piece together a motive behind the attack.

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