A man suspected of being the gunman who fired shots outside the White House correspondents’ dinner, prompting Donald Trump to evacuate, has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31. The incident occurred during the annual dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel, where approximately 2,500 people, including Donald and Melania Trump, were present. Described by the US President as a “lone wolf whack job,” Allen was part of a student prank group known for raiding random buildings.
Allen, a part-time teacher and video game developer, graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 with a degree in mechanical engineering. During his time at the university, he was involved in various activities, including being a member of the university’s Christian fellowship and the NERF club, where NERF guns were used for recreational purposes.
His LinkedIn profile showcased his academic achievements and involvement in student groups. Additionally, Allen was recognized for developing an emergency brake prototype for wheelchairs while at Caltech. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued a Master of Science in Computer Science at California State University-Dominguez Hills and worked part-time as a teacher at a test prep and tutoring company.
In December 2024, Allen was honored as the “teacher of the month” by his employer. He also identified himself as a video game developer, with one game already published and another in progress. The suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday to face charges related to the incident, including the use of a firearm during a violent crime.
This marks the third security threat against the US President since 2024, with previous incidents including an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.