Details Emerge on Suspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Attempt

Cole Tomas Allen, a 28-year-old suspect, is facing serious charges after an attempted shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He acquired firearms from two California stores over two years and was apprehended with multiple weapons. This incident raises critical questions about gun ownership and regulations in California. As the investigation unfolds, more details about Allen's background and motives are expected to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this alarming event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 01:34 IST

Overview of the Incident

Cole Tomas Allen, a 28-year-old man, is under investigation for allegedly trying to carry out a shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night. Reports indicate that he acquired his firearms from two separate gun shops in California over a span of two years. The weapons he purchased include:

In August 2025, he bought a Maverick 12-gauge pump-action shotgun from Turner’s Outdoorsman, a prominent retailer known for firearms and outdoor equipment.
In October 2023, he obtained an Armscor semi-automatic pistol from CAP Tactical Firearms, a smaller, family-owned store.

Authorities revealed that Allen kept both firearms at his parents' residence in Torrance, California. When apprehended near the event, he was found with the shotgun, the pistol, and several knives.

Information on the Gun Stores

Turner’s Outdoorsman is a well-established firearms retailer with numerous locations throughout California. When approached for comments regarding Allen's purchase, an employee stated they could neither confirm nor deny the information and directed inquiries to the corporate office.

CAP Tactical Firearms is a smaller, family-operated business run by Bill Mullen. Mullen has previously highlighted the importance of responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights. He promotes his store as providing personalized service in a clean, family-friendly setting, adhering strictly to all background check and permit regulations. Mullen did not respond to requests for comments about Allen's purchase.

Background on Cole Tomas Allen

Allen, a resident of California, earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech, class of 2017) and a master's degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills (2025). His LinkedIn profile indicates he has experience as a game developer, engineer, scientist, and educator. Family members informed investigators that Allen frequently practiced at shooting ranges to hone his skills.

Legal Charges Against Allen

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, announced that Allen is facing multiple charges, including:

Two counts of using a firearm during a violent crime
One count of assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon

Further charges may be added following his initial court appearance on Monday. The incident, which occurred outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, was thwarted before any shots were fired. This case has reignited discussions about gun purchases, background checks, and the legal acquisition of firearms in California prior to violent incidents. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information regarding Allen's motives and preparations is anticipated in the coming days.