Jakarta, ThedailyID — US authorities identified 31-year-old California man Cole Thomas Allen as the suspect in the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, an incident that forced security officers to rush President Donald Trump from the venue.
Secret Service agents reacted within seconds after gunfire erupted near the event. Witnesses heard agents shout “shots fired” before security moved Trump offstage and locked down the area. Authorities arrested Allen shortly after the incident.
Trump later praised the response in a Truth Social post. “Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted fast and bravely,” he wrote.
According to CBS News and CNN, investigators said Allen admitted he targeted senior US government officials. Officials have not disclosed a clear motive, but prosecutors are expected to address the allegation during his first court appearance Monday.
Public records reviewed by US media showed Allen worked part-time as a teacher and as an independent game developer. He graduated in mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology in 2017 and completed a computer science master’s degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025.
Authorities said Allen had no prior criminal record and was not on the radar of federal law enforcement before the shooting. That detail has intensified questions over how the suspect reached a heavily secured perimeter.
The attack triggered renewed scrutiny over security at political events, especially as the US enters a heated election season. Officials have not indicated any broader threat, but federal agencies continue to review whether Allen acted alone.
The incident also reignited debate over threats against public officials. Security experts told US outlets the attempted attack exposed vulnerabilities even around high-profile, protected gatherings.
Allen is expected to appear in court Monday, where prosecutors may reveal additional charges and more details about the investigation.
