The suspect, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, is a resident of Torrance, California. He worked part-time as a teacher and was also involved in developing video games.
Before the attack, Allen sent a message to family members apologizing to those he had “betrayed.” In the message, he expressed political grievances and indicated an intention to target government officials, adding that he did not expect forgiveness.
According to law enforcement, Allen’s sister said he began exhibiting increasingly extreme views after becoming involved in left-wing activism in Los Angeles. Around the same time, he legally purchased firearms and regularly practiced at shooting ranges.
Investigators say Allen traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then on to Washington, D.C., where he checked into the hotel hosting the event. High-level officials, including President Donald Trump, were in attendance.
Authorities said Allen was armed with a .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun. In his message, he referred to himself as a “friendly federal assassin” and expressed opposition to Trump. On Saturday night, he attempted to breach the security perimeter outside the dinner venue.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told CNN that the suspect fired several shots, striking a Secret Service agent. The agent, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, survived. Allen was immediately taken into custody, while Trump and other officials were moved to a secure location nearby.
Background and Early Life
According to his LinkedIn profile, Allen studied at California Institute of Technology from 2013 to 2017, where he was involved in a Christian fellowship group and a campus club. In 2017, he gained local media attention for developing an emergency brake prototype for wheelchairs. He graduated the same year with a degree in mechanical engineering.
After graduation, Allen joined C2 Education as a part-time teacher and was named “Teacher of the Month” in December 2024.
Alongside teaching, he worked as a video game developer and released an indie game titled Bohrdome on Steam. He also mentioned working on another game called “First Law.”
Political Activity and Weapons Purchase
Allen’s sister said he became increasingly politically active in recent years, joining a left-wing group known as The Wide Awakes. Federal Election Commission records show he donated $25 to the 2024 campaign of Kamala Harris.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Allen legally purchased the handgun in October 2023 and the shotgun in August 2025, both following FBI background checks.
In the message sent before the incident, Allen stated his intention to target officials from the Trump administration, while also apologizing to family, colleagues, and students. He claimed his actions were not contrary to his Christian beliefs, arguing that remaining silent in the face of perceived injustice would be wrong.
After receiving the message, Allen’s brother alerted police in New London, Connecticut, and other family members also contacted authorities.
Investigation Ongoing
The suspect attempted to breach the outer security perimeter and enter the main hall. The injured Secret Service agent was later treated and released from the hospital.
Following the incident, law enforcement agencies launched a full investigation into Allen’s movements and motives. FBI agents gathered outside his residence in Torrance, securing the area, while interviews were conducted with family members in Maryland.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Allen faces three charges, including two firearms offenses and one count of assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Officials added that the suspect has not been cooperating with investigators.
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