Gunman Linked to Donations for Democratic Campaign
The individual involved in the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has, it seems, contributed funds to the Democratic Party’s fundraiser, ActBlue.
Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, reportedly intended his donation for former Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential run, as noted by the Los Angeles Times.
Officials have not disclosed any potential motive for the shooting that occurred at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in attendance.
According to records from the Federal Election Commission, in October 2024, Allen donated $25 to ActBlue, a political action committee focused on supporting Democrats. This was the only political contribution listed under his name in the past decade.
Allen is a registered voter and graduated from Caltech in 2017, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. During his time at Caltech, he participated in organizations like Christian Fellowship and the Nerf Club, as per his LinkedIn profile.
Additionally, it was reported that authorities have yet to confirm a motive, but if it turns out to be an assassination attempt, it would mark the third such attack in a two-year span.
As investigations unfold, Republicans in Washington, D.C., are reportedly looking into ActBlue for possible foreign donations. Representative Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, mentioned this in a recent television discussion.
Jordan stated that ActBlue plays a significant role in raising substantial funds for Democratic candidates but pointed to issues that surfaced during the 2024 election, particularly the resignation of a key legal department official tasked with fraud prevention.
The shooting took place on Saturday evening while attendees filled the hotel’s ballroom, and President Trump and his wife were on stage. Several loud noises rang out just before the crowd was evacuated.
Video footage captured the moment a police officer escorted the couple to safety amid the chaos.
Reports indicate that the shooter allegedly barreled through security and shot a Secret Service agent in the chest before being apprehended.
Following the cancellation of the dinner, President Trump held a press conference, noting that the officer shot was wearing a bulletproof vest and was in good condition after the event.
Dylan Wakayama, president of the Asian American Civic Trust, remarked that Allen had mentored local teens associated with the organization. The students found him to be thoughtful and reserved.
However, Wakayama added, “They were utterly shocked when we informed them of the news. If this was indeed the person who attempted to harm the President, it would be a major surprise for all of us in Torrance.”
