The man accused of storming the White House Correspondents' Association dinner with a shotgun, handgun and knives is set to appear in federal court Monday, as investigators piece together what drove him to allegedly attack the annual black-tie event. Cole Allen, 31, a teacher and game developer from Torrance, California, is charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Suspect's Writings Point to Political Motives
Authorities say Allen's own writings offer a window into his intentions. In a manifesto reviewed by The Hill and first reported by the New York Post, Allen calls himself a "Friendly Federal Assassin" and identifies Trump administration officials as "targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest." He reportedly wrote that dinner guests and employees were "not targets at all," but added he would "still go through most everyone here to get to the targets if it were absolutely necessary." He argued that attending "a speech by a pedophile, rapist and traitor" made attendees complicit. The manifesto's authenticity has been confirmed by an administration official.
Allen also criticized security at the event, calling it "this level of incompetence" and expressing hope it would be "corrected by the time this country gets actually competent leadership again." He had checked into the hotel before the dinner, according to police.
Family Alerts Authorities
Allen's family spoke with law enforcement about his statements and the manifesto. A White House official told The Hill that Allen's sister said her brother often made "radical statements" and referenced plans to do "something" about problems in the world. She confirmed he had bought two handguns and a shotgun, which were stored at their parents' home without their knowledge. Minutes before the attack at the Washington Hilton, Allen's brother alerted New London, Connecticut police about the manifesto.
A LinkedIn profile matching Allen's background describes him as a mechanical engineer and computer scientist with a master's degree from California State University-Dominguez Hills and an undergraduate degree from Caltech. He works as a teacher.
Court Appearance and Charges
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced Saturday that Allen faces two charges so far, with more expected. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect could "absolutely" be charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump. The Secret Service agent who was shot during Allen's sprint toward the ballroom was saved by his protective vest.
Surveillance video posted by Trump shows the suspect dashing toward the ballroom as attendees dropped to the floor and senior officials were evacuated. The FBI has executed search warrants on Allen's devices and is gathering additional evidence. Blanche, Pirro, and FBI Director Kash Patel are expected to hold a press conference after Allen's initial court appearance to announce formal federal charges.
The attack has sparked widespread concern about security at major political events. House Speaker Mike Johnson has raised concerns about WHCA dinner security, while FBI Director Patel has vowed an overhaul of security protocols. Senator Chuck Grassley has scheduled a Secret Service briefing on the security lapses, and the incident has drawn comparisons to the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan at the same hotel.
