Torrance man identified as alleged gunman at White House Correspondents’ Dinner event
Your morning catch-up: A Torrance man suspected in WHCD shooting, L.A. faces its worst year of tourism since the pandemic and more big stories
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The scene at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington turned chaotic, Los Angeles Times reporters wrote, when a man dashed toward the dining area and was met with gunfire.
“One hotel security guard said she observed the individual with a firearm. President Donald Trump was rushed offstage. One officer who was wearing a bulletproof vest was shot and was taken to a hospital. Trump told reporters during a press conference that the officer is ‘doing great,’” their story reads.
A man taken into custody was identified by law enforcement sources as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance.
By late last night, media had swarmed a home in Torrance believed to be connected to Allen, as had FBI agents and police waiting for a warrant to enter.
Our reporters have gathered as much information as they can on the suspect, including that
- Movement: Acting Attorney Gen. Todd Blanche said on “Meet the Press” that the suspect traveled to Chicago from L.A., then took the train from there to D.C.
- Motive: Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive. U.S. Atty. for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro says the suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm and one count of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. Authorities said he had a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives. Blanche told CNN Sunday: “From our preliminary investigation, it does appear the suspect was targeting members of the administration.”
- Background: Allen, who is registered to vote with no party preference, graduated from CalTech in 2017 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He also earned a master’s degree in computer science at Cal State Dominguez Hills in 2025, according to a commencement program.
- Accolades: Allen was named teacher of the month in December 2024 at C2 Education, which specializes in college test preparation, tutoring and academic advising.
- Shock: “I think all of us in Torrance would be shocked if this is the man who attempted to kill the president of the United States,” one person who knew of him said.
This is an ongoing story. Read more about Cole Tomas Allen. Follow our developing coverage here.
The week’s biggest stories
Golden State trends
- While California’s tourism rallied, L.A. faced its worst year since the pandemic.
- California cities, including West Hollywood, seek to bless polyamorous unions.
When animals terrify
- Woman bitten three times by snake is third Californian to die from snakebite this year.
- Aggressive 10-foot shark sighting postpones Huntington Beach surf competition.
Crime, courts and policing
- Rebecca Grossman and ex-boyfriend were racing when 2 boys were killed in crosswalk, lawyer alleges.
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- O.C. deputies shoot man who had brandished gun at his ex’s new boyfriend, authorities say.
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Celebrity and entertainment news
- Actor Russell Brand admits to sex with 16-year-old girl in 2000s while awaiting trial on rape and sexual assault charges.
- Actor Jada Pinkett Smith asks court to make Will Smith’s former friend pay her $49,000 legal bills.
What else is going on
- Strong winds caused Stagecoach to be briefly postponed, fans evacuated.
- A growing brush fire triggered evacuation warnings in Orange County.
- A truce appears in the ‘Hands Off Our Yards’ wildfire landscaping wars.
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- Home goods retailer Bed Bath & Beyond is back in California after vowing never to return.
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- What to plant (and what to remove) in California’s new ‘Zone Zero’ fire-safety proposal.
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Three-fifths of Californians now live in an area where MEHKOS are legal, with Los Angeles’ recent opt-in last year tipping the scale past the halfway mark.
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- Opinion: Believe yet? Lakers leave no doubt in stunning comeback win over Rockets.
- Opinion: Fraud is rampant, but good hospice care exists. Here’s our guide.
For your downtime
Going out
- Sunday Funday: Comedian Tig Notaro shares her ideal Sunday, which includes family time, hiking and playing with adopted cats.
- New routes, new adventures: 19 adventures along Metro’s new D Line extension.
- Stagecoach 2026 updates: Cody Johnson brings out Boyz II Men; Theo Von surprises with Ella Langley.
- Great food question: What’s L.A.’s best classic diner? It’s your favorite. Our critic returns to his in Westchester.
- Quite a song: They set out to elevate karaoke in L.A. — and opened a glamorous lounge that pulls out all the stops.
Staying in
- Television review: How Fox’s reboot of ‘Fear Factor’ became a surprise hit.
- Book review: Why this Vietnam-era novel is an essential gut check for the current military surge.
- 🥗 Here’s a recipe for a surprising and versatile pineapple tart.
- ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and jigsaw games.
L.A. Affairs
Get wrapped up in tantalizing stories about dating, relationships and marriage.
I had a long pattern of choosing unavailable men. I had been unconsciously asking him to choose, over and over, between the people he loved and the person he loved.
Have a great day, from the Essential California team
Jim Rainey, staff reporter
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, fast break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew J. Campa, weekend writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters
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