The BRICS TimesA photo surfaced online showing Cole Tomas Allen receiving a “Teacher of the Month” award in Los Angeles County as his identity emerged following the dramatic shooting scare.
Who is Cole Tomas Allen, the man named in the White House dinner shooting?
A Fox News and New York Post columnist first named the suspect in Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting. Karol Markowicz took to X to identify him as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a resident of Torrance, California. She confirmed he was already in custody at the time of her post.
“The attempted shooter at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner is 31 year old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California and he is in custody,” she tweeted.
Far-right commentator Laura Loomer also named Allen as the suspect. Loomer went further claiming he was a registered Democrat who donated to Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential run. Authorities have not independently confirmed these political claims.
What do we know about Cole Tomas Allen’s background?
Unverified social media profiles allegedly belonging to Allen began circulating widely after the incident. These profiles, reportedly from Facebook and LinkedIn, suggest an impressive academic background. They list mechanical engineering studies at Caltech along with a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills. A research fellowship at NASA also appears on the profiles.
One widely shared photograph shows Allen receiving a “Teacher of the Month” recognition somewhere in Los Angeles County. None of this background information has been officially confirmed by investigators.
What exactly happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?
The evening turned chaotic when gunshots rang out inside the Washington Hilton on Saturday. Several attendees reported hearing anywhere between five and eight shots fired. The disruption triggered an immediate and dramatic security response inside the venue.
President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other senior officials were swiftly evacuated from the premises. Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance emerged physically unharmed. Around 30 minutes after the incident, Trump himself confirmed the situation on Truth Social announcing that a shooter had been caught.
Trump speaks out after dramatic evacuation
“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. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
He followed up with another statement confirming the evacuation adding that a press conference was imminent. “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”
Officials respond from the scene
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro recorded a video statement moments after being escorted out of the ballroom. She confirmed the full scope of the security response already underway. “I have been taken out of the ballroom after the sound of the shots fired. The Secret Service is now in charge of this building, this hotel. I just spoke to Mayor Muriel Bowser. She is on her way, and (Police) Chief Jeffery Carroll is on his way. He will be in charge as soon as he gets here,” Pirro stated.
