Authorities have identified the individual involved in the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as a teacher from California.
According to a source who spoke with the Daily Mail, the suspect is 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen. He is accused of having opened fire at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night.
Allen, who works as an educator in the Los Angeles area, was swiftly taken into custody by law enforcement officials.
In the aftermath, President Trump released a striking image that captured the suspect shirtless and lying face down on the ground. During a press briefing, Trump referred to Allen as “a sick person – a very sick person.”
“He’s a lone wolf, a wack job. These are crazy people. Sick, sick people,” Trump commented further, reflecting his strong condemnation of the act.
Photographs taken shortly after the incident show law enforcement agents pinning Cole to the floor, while other officers worked diligently to secure the surrounding area.
Trump said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons before being stopped by the Secret Service.
Video shows the suspect as a blur as he made a run for it as he breached a security checkpoint and attempted to reach the doors to the ballroom.
Cole is said to be a graduate of California State University (CSU) and CalTech.
Wolf Blitzer, who was inside the venue and just feet away from the shooter, told CNN the suspect was armed with a ‘major weapon’ and fired around six shots.
‘Apparently they got the gunman, he had a major weapon there, it was so worrisome. The noise was so loud. I was a few feet away from the gunman who was shooting randomly, half a dozen shots they were so loud,’ Blitzer said.
President Donald Trump posted a photo of the alleged shooter on Saturday night, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California
Members of law enforcement respond during the White House Correspondents Dinner. A man can be seen lying on the ground with their hands behind his back
Agents stand guard after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner
He continued: ‘Next thing I knew couple of police officers were jumping on me trying to protect me. I think then the gunman was shot, I could be wrong, but he stopped firing. I don’t know how an individual could get that close to the ballroom with a weapon like that – he clearly had a weapon he was clearly firing I don’t know if he was aiming at anyone. I was a few feet away from that but it was very, very frightening.’
The suspect’s identity has not yet been officially released, and authorities have not confirmed a motive. It also remains unclear how the individual was able to breach security perimeters and get so close to the ballroom entrance.
What is clear is the speed and force of the response.
Agents rushed to secure the room and evacuate President Trump, who had been preparing to deliver remarks.
At one point, the president stumbled briefly, appearing to trip, before being helped up and escorted off stage.
From one corner of the room, a spontaneous chant of ‘God Bless America’ broke out as the evacuation unfolded.
Among those in attendance were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio – all of whom were safely removed from the venue.
Authorities say there were no immediate reports of injuries aside from a Secret Service Agent who was shot in the chest – but protected by his bullet proof vest.
Outside, the response intensified rapidly. Law enforcement and Secret Service personnel flooded the area, while members of the National Guard took up positions inside the building.
Guests were allowed to leave but were prevented from re-entering as security teams swept the premises.
A law enforcement official confirmed that a suspect had been apprehended, though officials have yet to release further information about the individual or whether they acted alone.
President Trump posted several photos of the suspect who is now in custody
People take cover as agents stand guard after an incident at thedinner
Security officials evacuate U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson as a shooter opens fire
Officers assist guests to exit during the White House Correspondents Dinner,
Many guests were shaken up following the incident
The White House released a statement confirming a suspect was in custody.
‘The US Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.’
Shortly after being evacuated, Trump also posted a message on his Truth Social platform praising the response.
‘Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.’
Organizers initially considered resuming the dinner, but officials ultimately decided to cancel the event.
