California teacher identified as suspect in Trump gala shooting

The identity of the man suspected of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner has been revealed as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher and video game developer from Southern California, according to CNN.

Allen, who resides in Torrance, a suburb of Los Angeles, was identified by law enforcement sources as the armed suspect subdued near the venue where President Donald Trump and other top officials had gathered.

Public records show that Allen worked as a part-time teacher at C2 Education, a test preparation and tutoring company, where he was recognised as “teacher of the month” in December 2024.

His LinkedIn profile indicates that he graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and later obtained a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

While a student, Allen was featured in a 2017 local news report for developing a prototype emergency brake for wheelchairs.

He also described himself as a video game developer and is believed to have published an independent game titled Bohrdom on the Steam platform.

Records further show he registered a trademark for the game in 2018 and had been “currently developing a second game, working name ‘First Law.’”

Federal Election Commission data indicate that Allen made a $25 donation to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign in October 2024.

Authorities say the suspect was armed with multiple weapons and was apprehended after breaching a security checkpoint at the event, which was held at the Washington Hilton.

The incident caused panic at the high-profile gathering, leading to the evacuation of President Trump, the First Lady, and other dignitaries.

One Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire but survived after the bullet hit a protective vest.

Investigations are ongoing, and officials have yet to determine the motive behind the attack.