No motive has been established yet, but more is known about the identity of the suspect arrested on Saturday night at a dinner for White House correspondents, attended by Donald Trump, who stated that it was “a would-be assassin who wanted to kill”.
The man with brown hair and a mustache apprehended following the shooting has been identified by law enforcement as Cole Tomas Allen, 31 years old, from Torrance, California, according to Reuters. According to his social media, he graduated from the prestigious Caltech university in 2017. He currently works as a part-time teacher and a video game developer. He is currently working on a game called “Bohrdom,” described as a skill-based, non-violent combat game.
Donald Trump shared photos of the suspected shooter, shirtless and handcuffed, face turned to the ground, in the Hilton lobby. He was apparently one of the hotel’s guests.
“Teacher of the Month” Nomination
According to Facebook posts, he was nominated as “Teacher of the Month” in December 2024 within the tutoring structure where he provides support, known as C2 Education, a competitive exam preparation academy.
His LinkedIn profile describes him as “mechanical engineer and computer scientist by training, experienced independent video game developer, and born teacher”. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in computer science.
He claims to have worked for a year as a mechanical engineer at IJK Controls in South Pasadena, and as a teaching assistant at Caltech. During his time at Caltech, he and his team reportedly won a robotics competition.
“A Lone Wolf”
Cole Tomas Allen currently faces two charges: using a firearm in a violent crime and assaulting a federal agent with a dangerous weapon. More charges may be added as the investigation progresses. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Authorities stated that he was armed with a shotgun, a pistol, and several knives, and was unknown to the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.
“My impression is that he was a lone wolf,” stated Donald Trump, adding that the suspect’s motive has not yet been established, but he believed that the shooter was “sick”.
