What we know about Cole Tomas Allen, Torrance teacher suspected in WHCD shooting
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A man taken into custody after gunfire rang out at the White House Correspondents’ Assn.dinner on Saturday was identified by law enforcement sources as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance.
Allen was first publicly identified by the Associated Press, which cited unnamed law enforcement sources.Another official not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation told The Times that Allen was the suspect and that authorities were in the process of obtaining warrants to search addresses associated with him in Torrance.
The scene at the annual event in Washington turned chaotic when a man dashed toward the dining area and was met with gunfire.One hotel security guard said she observed the individual with a firearm.
President Donald Trump was rushed offstage.One officer who was wearing a bulletproof vest was shot and was taken to a hospital.
Trump told reporters during a press conference that the officer is “doing great.” U.S.Atty.
for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro says the suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm and one count of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.Authorities said he had a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives.
“This individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could,” Pirro said.Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.In October 2024, Allen donated $25 to ActBlue, a political action committee that raises funds for Democrats, according to the Federal Election Commission.
The money was earmarked for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.It was his only political donation listed on the FEC website in the past decade.Allen, who is registered to vote with no party preference, graduated from CalTech in 2017 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
While at CalTech, he was a member of the school’s Christian fellowship and the nerf club, according to his Li...