A man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where President Trump and other senior administration officials were attending, is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court today. Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Allen, though police had not formally named him; NPR confirmed his identity with two people familiar with the investigation who were not authorized to speak publicly.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Allen will face federal charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Police say he charged through a security perimeter at the Washington Hilton, close to the ballroom hosting the annual event, before being stopped and taken into custody. Officers recovered two firearms and multiple knives at the scene.
A Secret Service agent was struck in his protective vest and sustained non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. Video from the ballroom shows Secret Service agents surrounding President Trump and Vice President Vance and escorting them out after shots were heard, while reporters and guests sheltered under tables as federal officers moved through the room.
At a White House briefing after the incident, Trump acknowledged the risks that come with the presidency and said he tries not to dwell on them. He later posted a video on social media that appears to show a man sprinting through a security checkpoint as agents turned and drew weapons; people in the ballroom can be heard reacting to muffled pops. Trump initially said he wanted the dinner to continue but later left at law enforcement’s request; organizers said they planned to reschedule the event.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC’s Meet the Press that preliminary investigation suggests the suspect was targeting administration officials. The Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement agencies believe the suspect acted alone.
White House officials told NPR that Allen allegedly sent family members a manifesto saying he intended to target members of the Trump administration. An official said Allen’s sister told investigators he often made radical statements and had hinted at doing “something” to fix the world’s problems. She also told law enforcement that he purchased two handguns and a shotgun and stored them at his parents’ home without their knowledge.
More personal details about Allen emerged after the attack. A LinkedIn page that appears to belong to him lists degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science, experience as an independent game developer and a background in teaching. It lists part-time work as a tutor with C2 Education and notes a teacher-of-the-month honor in December 2024. A former student described him as quirky and very smart, saying he did not seem like someone who would plan an attack.
Movses Janbazian, pastor at Pasadena United Reformed Church, said Allen attended services while a student at the California Institute of Technology and remembered him as quiet and friendly, faithful in attendance though not active in other church activities.
Federal Election Commission records show a $25 donation Allen made in October 2024 via ActBlue, earmarked for Kamala Harris’ campaign.
Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association and a CBS News journalist, described the shooting as a “harrowing moment.” The WHCA board said it would meet to assess the situation and determine next steps.
NPR reporting contributed by Danielle Kurtzleben, Ryan Lucas, Lydia Calitri, Steve Futterman, Deepa Shivaram and Ava Berger.