What we know about Cole Tomas Allen, the Torrance teacher accused in the WHCD shooting
Man arrested after shooting at White House Correspondents' Assn. diner on Saturday was identified by law enforcement sources as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance.
Allen was first identified by the Associated Press, which cited unnamed legal sources. One official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation, told The Times that Allen is a suspect and that authorities are in the process of obtaining search warrants for addresses related to him in Torrance.
The atmosphere at the annual event in Washington turned into chaos when a man ran into a restaurant and was met with gunfire. Another hotel security guard said he saw the man with a gun. President Donald Trump was rushed to the stage. Another police officer who was wearing a bulletproof vest was shot, but his condition is quickly clear.
US Atty. Jeanine Pirro of the District of Columbia says the suspect is facing two counts of using a firearm and one count of assaulting a government official using a dangerous weapon. Authorities say he was in possession of a handgun, a shotgun and several knives.
“This person intended to do as much damage and as much damage as possible,” Pirro said.
Authorities have not released a possible motive.
Allen, who is registered to vote without party favoritism, graduated from CalTech in 2017 with a degree in mechanical engineering, according to the university. He was featured in a CalTech graduation announcement posted by the university in 2017 on Facebook, which included a photo of him as an adult in a red card and tie and a photo of himself as a beaming toddler holding a stuffed bunny.
He was named an outstanding teacher in December 2024 at C2 Education, which specializes in college exam preparation, teaching and educational counseling.
Allen also received a master of science degree from Cal State Dominguez Hills in 2025, according to the original plan.
In October 2024, Allen donated $25 to ActBlue, a political committee that raises money for Democrats, according to the Federal Election Commission. The money was earmarked for Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.
It was drizzling Saturday evening in Torrance outside the multi-container home where Allen is believed to have lived. Torrance police arrived, opening the road and putting police tape on part of the road. FBI officials also appeared on the scene.
A man who answered a knock at the front door said, “Not right now,” declining to comment further.
A crowd of journalists and neighbors were roaming around the area taking pictures as the helicopter flew overhead.
Colin, a 39-year-old neighbor, who declined to give his last name to speak about matters of privacy, said the residents of this home just moved six months ago.
“It's sad,” he said. “There is no need for violence in this day and age.”
Another man, 50, who lives on the other side of the road, who refused to give his name to the reporter, said the family was friendly.
“We see them every day and we just say hi and they're so beautiful,” she said. “They are peaceful people, they don't make noise and when they see you they say hello.”
