Who Is the Man Caught After the White House Dinner Incident?

White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting: Arrest of Cole Tomas Allen

Incident Overview
During the annual dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Cole Tomas Allen, a 31‑year‑old resident of Torrance, California, allegedly fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent. The shooting occurred outside the ballroom where President Donald Trump and his family were present.

Arrest Details
Allen was apprehended on the hotel grounds immediately after the incident. Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack.

Background on Allen

• Education:
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Caltech (2017)
• M.S. in Computer Science, CSU Dominguez Hills (2025)

• Professional Experience:
• Part‑time teacher, C2 Education (private test‑preparation firm)
• Independent game developer
• Mechanical engineer, IJK Controls (South Pasadena) – 1 year

• Teaching assistant, Caltech

• Accolades & Achievements:
• Named “Teacher of the Month” (December 2024) by C2 Education’s Torrance office
• Led a robotics team that won a competition at Caltech (2016)

Official Statements

• The Secret Service confirmed that the suspect was armed and was taken into custody following the shooting.
• Police have yet to release a motive or further details.