Investigators are reviewing writings attributed to Cole Tomas Allen as they examine motive and security failures.
WASHINGTON — Federal investigators are reviewing a manifesto authorities say was sent by Cole Tomas Allen shortly before an armed attack Saturday night at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where President Donald Trump and top administration officials were rushed from the Washington Hilton.
Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was taken into custody after authorities said he approached a security area outside the ballroom armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives. A Secret Service agent was shot but survived because of a protective vest, officials said. The attack did not reach the ballroom, and Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials were not injured. Investigators are now examining Allen’s writings, travel, weapons, online posts and contacts as they build the federal case.
The shooting unfolded during one of Washington’s highest-profile political and media events. Authorities said Allen had checked into the hotel before the dinner and was stopped near a protected area outside the main event space. He fired at a Secret Service agent, officials said, before agents subdued him and took him into custody. President Trump later called Allen a “pretty sick guy” and said the suspect appeared to have acted alone. The White House Correspondents’ Association said it was grateful for the law enforcement response and expected the event to be rescheduled with added security.
The manifesto, described in public reports as a document of more than 1,000 words, was sent to family members shortly before the attack, according to law enforcement officials. Authorities said the writing focused heavily on Trump and members of his administration and described an intent to target government figures. Investigators have not released the full document through official channels. Public reports said the document included political grievances, religious language, apologies to relatives and comments about avoiding some bystanders while targeting officials. Officials have not said whether Allen has spoken with investigators or whether he has explained the document in his own words after the arrest.
The document also raised questions about security at the Washington Hilton. Public reports said Allen wrote about his cross-country travel and claimed he was surprised by how far he was able to move with weapons before being stopped. Investigators are reviewing how he traveled from California to Washington, how he brought weapons to the hotel and whether anyone helped him before the attack. Authorities are also examining whether the guns were legally purchased, where they were stored before the trip and whether warning signs were missed. Officials have not announced evidence that a wider plot existed.
Allen’s background quickly became part of the investigation. Public records and profiles reviewed by news outlets described him as a Caltech graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering and a later master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He had worked as a part-time teacher, tutor, engineer and game developer, according to those reports. People who knew him described him as intelligent and quiet, while relatives had expressed concern about his views and behavior before the incident. Investigators searched or secured a home connected to him in Torrance as part of the federal review.
The attack came at a time of heightened concern over political violence in the United States. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, usually a mix of journalists, elected officials, aides and celebrities, has long required heavy security because presidents and other senior officials often attend. The Saturday incident renewed questions about whether the dinner should be held at a private hotel, whether the security perimeter was broad enough and how weapons could be brought near the event. Administration officials and allies also used the attack to press for stronger security around future presidential events.
Federal prosecutors were preparing charges that included using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer, according to public reports. More charges could follow as investigators review the manifesto, digital devices, travel records and weapons evidence. Authorities have not said whether prosecutors will seek an attempted assassination charge. Allen is presumed innocent unless convicted in court. His first court appearance and any detention hearing were expected to provide more details about the charges, the evidence and whether he has a lawyer speaking on his behalf.
The Secret Service agent who was shot survived after the round struck body armor, officials said. The agent’s condition became an early focus for attendees who described a fast evacuation and confusion near the ballroom. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing security rush toward the disturbance as protective details moved officials away from danger. The shooting stopped the dinner before it could proceed as planned and left journalists, guests and staff waiting for instructions inside and outside the hotel. Officials said no attendee inside the ballroom was struck.
As of Sunday, April 26, Allen remained in custody while federal investigators reviewed the manifesto and other evidence. The next major step is expected to come in federal court, where prosecutors are set to outline the initial charges and seek continued detention.
Author note: Last updated April 26, 2026.