The identity of the gunman involved in the shooting at a Washington media gala on Saturday night, April 25, has begun to surface. This shocking incident sparked widespread panic, leading to the immediate evacuation of US President Donald Trump from the premises.
Reports from the news agency AFP described the perpetrator as a 31-year-old engineer and game developer hailing from California. While authorities have yet to officially confirm the identity, several US media outlets have identified the assailant as Cole Tomas Allen, a resident of Torrance. A compelling photo shared by President Trump captured the suspect handcuffed and subdued on the floor shortly after his apprehension.
Allen’s academic and professional background paints a picture of a highly educated individual. His LinkedIn profile, cited by AFP, indicates a strong foundation in both mechanical engineering and computer science. His self-description on the platform reportedly read: “Mechanical engineer and computer scientist by education, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth.” Interestingly, Allen was also known for developing an indie game titled “Bohrdom,” which he characterized as a skill-based and non-violent game.
Further details regarding his education reveal that Allen graduated from the prestigious California Institute of Technology in 2017 before pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, as reported by The New York Times. His teaching acumen was also recognized in 2024 when the C2 Education learning center named him “teacher of the month.” According to NBC News, Allen attended Pacific Lutheran High School in Los Angeles, where he was a member of the volleyball team. A former teammate reportedly described him as “almost a genius,” incredibly bright without extensive study, and possessing a gentle personality.
Investigators have noted that Allen resided in a Los Angeles suburb and had no prior record with Washington police. During the chaotic incident, he was found to be carrying a formidable arsenal: a rifle, a pistol, and several knives. Speaking at a press conference, President Donald Trump speculated that the perpetrator likely acted alone, referring to him as a “lone wolf.” Trump emphatically stated, “I think he’s a lone perpetrator,” and further characterized the assailant as a “sick person.” The precise motive behind the shooting remains under intensive investigation by law enforcement officials.
Adding another layer to his profile, the Los Angeles Times reported that Allen was registered as a voter with no party affiliation. Data from the US Federal Election Commission indicates that an individual named Cole Allen, identified as a teacher at C2 Education, had previously made a campaign contribution. AFP specifically reported that he allegedly donated USD 25, equivalent to approximately IDR 400,000 at the time, to a fundraising group supporting presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign. This financial record has become an additional piece of information meticulously reviewed by investigators as they work to establish a comprehensive background of the perpetrator.
Summary
A shooting at a Washington media gala on April 25 led to the evacuation of US President Donald Trump. The perpetrator was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old engineer and game developer from California. Allen, who was found carrying a rifle, a pistol, and several knives, had no prior record with Washington police. His precise motive for the incident remains under intensive investigation.
Allen is highly educated, having graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 and pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. He developed an indie game and was recognized as “teacher of the month,” described by a former teammate as “almost a genius” with a gentle personality. Investigators are also reviewing a campaign contribution Allen reportedly made to Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign.