The U.S. Department of Justice has identified Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old California man, as the suspect charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Allen, originally from Torrance, California, is described as a former part-time tutor and game developer who held a degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a master's degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Former classmates and acquaintances recalled Allen as a hardworking, studious individual with strong evangelical Christian beliefs. He was registered as an independent voter, with his only recorded political donation being a small contribution to Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign.
According to law enforcement, Allen traveled to Washington D.C. by train, staying at a hotel for three nights. Notes reportedly belonging to Allen suggest a plan to target U.S. officials at his hotel, with writings expressing "rage" about the administration's actions. An email sent to family and his former employer shortly before the incident stated, "My sincerest apologies for all the trouble I've caused," and was signed "Cole 'coldForce' 'Friendly Federal Assassin Allen."
The DOJ indicated Allen acted alone, and Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated he traveled "across the country with deadly weapons and a plan to assassinate the President of the United States." The Secret Service's response is credited with preventing a "tragedy." Allen, who was not injured, is being held without bail and faces potential life imprisonment if convicted.