SUSPECT IN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER SHOOTING CHARGED WITH ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT FOLLOWING APRIL 25 ATTACK IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal authorities have charged Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, in connection with the April 25, 2026 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner held at the Washington Hilton.

Allen was arraigned in U.S. District Court on a criminal complaint charging him with:

• Attempt to assassinate the President of the United States
• Transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony
• Discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence

The charges stem from an incident that occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an event attended by the President of the United States, senior administration officials, and other high-ranking government personnel.

According to federal court records, the dinner took place at the Washington Hilton hotel, where multiple layers of security were in place. At approximately 8:40 p.m., Allen approached a security checkpoint leading to the ballroom and ran through a magnetometer while carrying a long gun. A gunshot was immediately heard by U.S. Secret Service personnel assigned to the checkpoint.

A Secret Service officer was struck once in the chest. The officer was wearing a ballistic vest at the time and remained able to respond. The officer discharged his service weapon, striking Allen, who fell to the ground and was taken into custody.

At the time of his arrest, Allen was in possession of:

• A 12-gauge pump-action shotgun
• A Rock Island Armory 1911 .38 caliber pistol

Federal investigators confirmed that both firearms had been legally purchased in California in prior years and were transported across state lines prior to the incident.

According to the affidavit supporting the criminal complaint, Allen traveled by train from California to Washington, D.C., beginning on or about April 21, 2026, with a stop in Chicago before arriving in the District on April 24.

Records further show that Allen had made a hotel reservation at the Washington Hilton weeks in advance, securing a stay from April 24 through April 26.

Shortly before the incident, Allen sent a scheduled email to family members and a former employer referencing the actions he was about to take. The message included an apology and a written explanation outlining his intent. Law enforcement obtained the communication as part of the investigation.

Following his arrest, Allen was advised of his rights and invoked his right to remain silent. He was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries and later returned to federal custody.

Federal officials stated that the case reflects a deliberate attempt to target the President of the United States and members of the administration during a high-profile national event.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged conduct and the response by law enforcement personnel who intervened at the scene.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the investigation was conducted through coordinated efforts between federal agencies and that the charges represent the initial phase of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that Allen’s actions involved interstate travel and the use of firearms in furtherance of a planned act of violence targeting federal officials.

Darren Cox, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, stated that the investigation is ongoing and that federal authorities are continuing to review evidence related to the incident.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington Field Office and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Ballentine, Charles Jones, and Adam Barry.

Allen remains in custody pending further proceedings. The charges contained in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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U.S. Department of Justice — Criminal Complaint & Affidavit (District of Columbia)

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