PODCASTS:
April 27, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson speak with Ben Berkowitz, Axios Head of News, about the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.
April 27, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson spoke with Daniel Roberts, a former assistant FBI director. They discussed security questions following an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, the investigation, and the current threat environment.
WASHINGTON D.C. ~ Federal authorities have identified the man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31‑year‑old California resident who investigators say left behind a manifesto critical of former President Donald Trump and his administration.
Allen was detained Saturday night near a security checkpoint outside the Washington Hilton, where Trump, senior administration officials and members of the press were gathered for the annual black‑tie event. Law enforcement officials say Allen, armed with multiple weapons, exchanged gunfire with security personnel before being subdued. One officer was struck in a protective vest and was not seriously injured. No attendees inside the ballroom were injured.
Allen is expected to appear in federal court on Monday.
According to federal officials, writings attributed to Allen were sent to members of his family minutes before the incident. The documents, which investigators have described as a manifesto, expressed anger toward the Trump administration and indicated an intent to target government officials. Authorities say the suspect prioritized administration figures and did not intend to harm hotel staff or dinner guests. Allen referred to himself in writings as Cole “coldForce” “Friendly Federal Assassin.” Allen and criticized what he described as inadequate security at the hotel.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that Allen’s exact motives are still being examined.
The suspect, who is from Torrance, California, has no known prior criminal record, according to initial court and public‑records searches cited by investigators. Family members contacted police after receiving the message, prompting a rapid law‑enforcement response as the dinner was underway.
President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were quickly evacuated from the ballroom as shots were reported near the entry area. The dinner was subsequently canceled, though Trump hopes to reschedule within 30 days of the original date. In a press conference following the incident, the president praised the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their swift action.
Federal prosecutors say Allen is expected to face multiple charges, including firearms and assault‑related offenses.
