A 31-year-old computer scientist from California, Cole Allen, was arrested after attempting to attack the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Described by President Trump as a 'very sick person,' Allen left behind a manifesto outlining his plans to target administration officials. The incident has raised concerns about security and mental health support systems.
Cole Allen , the 31-year-old man in US custody following the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner , has been described by President Donald Trump as a 'very sick person.
' A resident of Torrance, California, Allen is a highly educated computer scientist who reportedly appeared in the May 2025 commencement programme at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Before his arrest, he had worked as a teacher with a private tutoring service, where he was named 'Teacher of the Month' in late 2024. According to investigators, Allen travelled to Washington by train from Los Angeles via Chicago, checking into the Washington Hilton the day before the attack.
He reportedly left behind a written manifesto, titling himself the 'Friendly Federal Assassin.
' In the document, he outlined a plan to target administration officials by rank. Allen specifically mentioned using buckshot to 'minimise casualties through walls' and reportedly shared portions of these writings with his family before the incident. Allen legally purchased a 38-calibre pistol in 2023 and a 12-gauge shotgun in 2025 from stores in southern California. On the night of the gala, he reportedly rushed a magnetometer screening area armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives.
During the struggle, one officer was shot at close range but survived thanks to his bulletproof vest. While the FBI continued to review social media accounts containing anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric, the President noted that law enforcement believes Allen acted as a 'lone wolf.
' Allen remains under evaluation at a hospital and is expected to face federal charges on Monday. The incident has raised concerns about security protocols at high-profile events, with lawmakers calling for a review of screening procedures.
Additionally, mental health advocates have highlighted the need for better support systems to identify and assist individuals exhibiting extreme ideologies before they escalate to violence. The White House Correspondents' Dinner, an annual event celebrating press freedom, was abruptly halted as attendees were evacuated amid the chaos. President Trump, who was not present at the event, condemned the attack in a statement, emphasizing the importance of unity and condemning all forms of violence.
Meanwhile, Allen's family has expressed shock and sorrow, stating they had no indication of his intentions. They have cooperated fully with authorities, providing access to his personal writings and digital communications. As the investigation continues, federal agents are examining Allen's background, including his academic and professional history, to determine any potential motives or connections to extremist groups.
The case has sparked a national debate on gun control, mental health awareness, and the effectiveness of current security measures in protecting public figures and events
White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting Cole Allen Friendly Federal Assassin Security
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