WASHINGTON, D.C. – A 31-year-old man from Torrance, California, was arrested Saturday night after authorities say he attempted to breach a Secret Service checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner while armed with multiple weapons.
Cole Tomas Allen is accused of trying to enter the event at the Washington Hilton carrying a shotgun, handgun, and knives. One officer was struck during the incident but was not seriously injured due to wearing a ballistic vest. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were escorted from the scene unharmed. Vice President JD Vance and other officials were also present at the dinner.
Court Documents Detail Alleged “Friendly Federal Assassin” Writings
Federal prosecutors say Allen had been planning the incident for several weeks. Court documents and an FBI affidavit filed in federal court detail that Allen sent a lengthy email — described in reports as approximately 1,000 words — to family members roughly 10 minutes before the incident. In the message, he referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and signed using the handle “coldForce.”
According to the affidavit, Allen wrote:
“On to why I did any of this: I am a citizen of the United States of America. What my representatives do reflects on me.”
He criticized Trump administration policies and explicitly stated his intent to target President Trump and as many senior Trump administration and cabinet officials as possible. Some excerpts paraphrased in court filings and news reports indicate he referred to the president using strong language, including descriptions such as “pedophile, rapist and traitor.”
After receiving the email, Allen’s brother contacted police in New London, Connecticut, authorities have confirmed. Allen had booked a room at the Washington Hilton — the exact venue of the dinner — on April 6. He traveled from California to Washington, D.C., by train in the days leading up to the event.
Who Is Cole Tomas Allen? Background on the Torrance Suspect
Allen is described by those who knew him as a quiet, educated individual. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a master’s degree in computer science. He worked as a tutor and educator in the Torrance area and was known locally as an amateur video game developer.
Neighbors and acquaintances have told reporters he did not display overt signs of violence in his daily life.
On Monday, Allen appeared in Washington federal court for his initial appearance. He faces three federal charges:
- Attempted assassination of the President of the United States
- Transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony
- Discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence
A judge ordered Allen to remain in jai. He is being held without bond as the investigation continues.
Third Reported Attempt Since 2024
This incident marks the third reported assassination attempt on President Trump since 2024. The prior events include the July 2024 shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the September 2024 incident at a golf course in Florida.
