5 things to know about suspected WHCA Dinner shooting suspect Cole Allen

By Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post Contributor
Monday, April 27, 2026

This illustration photo taken in Los Angeles shows a phone displaying a Truth Social post by U.S. President Donald Trump with an image of the alleged suspect in a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026. U.S. Secret Service agents rushed Trump from the stage as shots rang out at a media gala, in what the president later described as an attack by a “would-be assassin.” Armed guards opened fire at the gunman, who charged through a security screening area just outside the hotel ballroom where Trump, first lady Melania Trump, senior government officials and hundreds of guests had gathered. | Chris DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night, sending President Donald Trump and senior administration officials fleeing the ballroom.

A Secret Service agent was shot but survived because a bulletproof vest absorbed the round. Allen was tackled, handcuffed and taken to a hospital for evaluation. He was not struck by gunfire and will be arraigned in federal court on Monday.

Authorities are expected to charge the California resident with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. He could face other charges.

Investigators, family members and former colleagues have since described a man who appeared unremarkable until the attack. Officials and media reports have since revealed a detailed picture of the suspect.

Here are five key things to know.