White House Dinner Shooter Told Police He Targeted Trump Officials; FBI Secures Suspect’s Home

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 17:21 IST

The shooting took place during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, a prominent gathering attended by journalists, officials, and public figures.

The 31-year-old Cole Allen, accused of opening fire at security personnel during the high-profile event in Washington, D.C., told the investigators that he intended to target officials linked to the Trump administration, according to a report by CBS News.

Allen admitted his motive during questioning by law enforcement. However, officials clarified that he did not specifically name US President Donald Trump as his target, according to the sources cited by the outlet.

A law enforcement source told CBS News that the suspect only referred to “administration officials" while describing his intentions.

FBI Secures Allen’s Home

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has secured Allen’s home to collect evidence. The development comes hours after the accused allegedly opened fire during the high-profile event, also attended by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

According to officials cited by Fox News, the residence in California’s Torrance has been sealed by federal agents along with local police. Authorities are now awaiting a search warrant from a federal judge in the Central District of California. Once approved, agents will carry out a detailed search of the property. The investigators reached his home early Sunday and secured the premises to ensure no entry or exit while legal procedures are completed.

‘I Guess’: Trump Says He May Have Been Target Of Shooting

Earlier in the day, Trump had indicated that he could have been the intended target of the shooting scare at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, responding “I guess" when asked about it during a press conference.

Speaking about the incident, Trump said that high-profile individuals are often at risk. “I studied assassinations… the people that make an impact, they’re the ones that they go after," he said.

Search To focus On Key Evidence

Officials believe materials inside the residence could offer vital clues about the motive behind the attack. Documents, electronic devices, and personal writings are expected to be examined once the warrant is issued.

Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, highlighted the speed at which such investigations move.

ALSO READ: ‘Heard A Gunshot, Saw Secret Service Jump’: Indian Journalist Recounts White House Dinner Scare

“Right now, tonight, federal agents know his name," Pack told Fox News. “That name is running through every database the government owns. Criminal history, military service, mental health flags, travel records, known associates, prior contacts with law enforcement."

Investigation Continues

Pack said authorities can quickly build a detailed background of the suspect.

“That process takes minutes, not days," he said. “Within the hour, prosecutors were likely already on the phone with judges seeking warrants. Digital warrants for his phone, his email, his social media accounts, his search history. Physical warrants for every address associated with his name."

He added that securing locations linked to the suspect is a crucial early step.

“Those residences are being secured right now," Pack said. “Agents are establishing a perimeter, making sure nobody enters or leaves, and waiting for a warrant."

Reconstructing The Timeline

Investigators are also piecing together the suspect’s movements leading up to the shooting.

“The timeline reconstruction has already started," Pack said. “Agents are working backwards from the lobby of the Washington Hilton and they will not stop until they reach the moment this began in his mind."

He stressed that evidence recovered from the home could be key to understanding intent.

“What is inside that residence, whether it is a manifesto, weapons, materials, a journal, correspondence, will tell investigators more about motive than almost anything else," Pack said. “The physical space a person lives in is a biography."

What Happened At The Event?

The shooting took place during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, a prominent gathering attended by journalists, officials, and public figures. The incident triggered a major security response and a swift federal investigation.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were quickly evacuated from the venue after a gunman opened fire at security personnel, according to Reuters.

The attacker fired at a Secret Service agent, who survived the incident due to a bulletproof vest. Trump later said the officer was in “good shape."

All federal officials present at the event were reported safe, and the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.

Following the incident, Trump said the dinner, which was disrupted by the attack, may be rescheduled within the next 30 days.

Global Leaders Condemn Attack, Express Solidarity

NATO Chief Mark Rutte reacted to the incident, saying, “I am shocked by the attack on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Relieved that President Trump, the First Lady and all the guests are safe and sound. This was an attack on our free and open societies. We stand for democracy and in solidarity with the United States."

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni also expressed support, stating, “I wish to express my full solidarity and most sincere closeness to President Trump, to First Lady Melania, to Vice President Vance, and to all those present for what happened at last night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner."

She added, “No political hatred can find space in our democracies. We will not allow fanaticism to poison the places of free debate and information. The defense of the culture of confrontation must remain the insurmountable bulwark against every intolerant drift, to safeguard the values that found our Nations."

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