Federal authorities have charged 31-yr-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, in connection with a chaotic shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on April 25, 2026, which officials are investigating as a third assassination attempt on President Donald Trump.
Allen, identified as a teacher and amateur video game developer with an engineering background, allegedly rushed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives. He opened fire, striking one Secret Service officer who was protected by a bulletproof vest. Secret Service agents quickly subdued him as chaos erupted, prompting the immediate evacuation of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump from the ballroom. No one was seriously injured.
According to law enforcement, Allen left a manifesto-like note sent to family members shortly before the attack, in which he reportedly referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and expressed opposition to Trump administration policies. He allegedly outlined plans to target high-ranking officials. Investigators recovered firearms purchased legally in recent years and are examining his motives, with searches conducted at his California home.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced initial federal charges against Allen, including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Additional charges, potentially including attempted assassination of the president, are expected. Allen is scheduled for arraignment in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
The incident marks the latest security breach involving Trump, following prior attempts in Butler, Pennsylvania (2024) and West Palm Beach, Florida (2024). Authorities described Allen as a lone actor. The event has renewed debates over event security and political violence in the United States. (Word count: 198)
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