President Donald Trump posted a photo on social media shortly after Saturday night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, showing the suspect shirtless and face down while being taken into custody by law enforcement.
The image circulated as federal authorities continued securing the Washington Hilton Hotel and investigating the attack.
The suspect was identified as Cole Allen, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California.
Law enforcement officials said Allen was arrested at the scene moments after the incident.
Authorities said Allen rushed a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint while armed with multiple weapons.
Officials said he was carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and additional weapons when he approached security.
According to the report, Allen opened fire on a Secret Service officer.
The officer was struck in a ballistic vest and transported to a hospital.
Agents returned fire, subdued Allen, and took him into custody.
Allen was not struck by gunfire but was also taken to a hospital after the confrontation.
Federal prosecutors later announced charges.
Jeanine Pirro said Allen was charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
She added that more charges are expected as the investigation continues.
President Trump was immediately evacuated from the venue by Secret Service agents.
First lady Melania Trump was also removed.
Vice President JD Vance, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and multiple Cabinet officials were rushed from the ballroom as security teams cleared the area.
The White House press pool reported that Trump was still inside the hotel around 8:56 p.m., indicating the evacuation and security response were still unfolding at that time.
Investigators are also examining Allen’s background.
The report said he attended California Institute of Technology, graduating in 2017 with a mechanical engineering degree, as the Conservative Brief reported.
It also said he later completed a master’s degree in computer science at California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025.
Allen reportedly listed past research work with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and described himself online as an independent game developer.
Employment records also indicated recent work with a tutoring company, where he was named teacher of the month in late 2024.
Authorities said multiple agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, are reviewing Allen’s digital history, communications, and motive.
