A shooting incident at the Washington Hilton has led to the arrest of a 31-year-old man identified as Cole Allen from Torrance, California. Allen was apprehended at the scene during an annual dinner attended by prominent officials, including President Donald Trump and several members of his administration.
The incident occurred within the hotel where multiple gunshots were reported, with law enforcement estimating between five to eight rounds fired. Allen was reportedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives, and attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the venue.
According to law enforcement sources, Allen expressed intentions to open fire on members of the Trump administration following his arrest. The specific motives behind his actions have not been disclosed.
Allen is known to have worked at C2 Education, a tutoring company in Torrance, where he was recognized as ‘Teacher of the Month’ in December 2024. He graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2017.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police conducted searches at a residence believed to be associated with Allen. District Attorney Janine Pirro has indicated that charges are likely to be filed against him for the use of a firearm during a violent crime and for assaulting a federal officer.
“From what we know at this point, it is clear that this individual intended to cause as much harm as possible,” Pirro stated. Formal charges are anticipated to be brought against Allen in federal court on Monday, April 27.
A shooting at the Washington Hilton resulted in the arrest of Cole Allen, who allegedly intended to harm members of the Trump administration. Charges are expected to be filed soon.