Questions are being raised over a mysterious social media post with the name “Cole Allen,” the same name of suspected gunman who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump and senior cabinet officials at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington D.C. on Saturday night.
The post in question came from an X account under the name of “Henry Martinez,” or the handle @HenryMa79561893. Joined in December 2023, the account includes a profile picture of a Pepe the Frog meme and contains no biography.
Just one post was made from the account on December 21, 2023. That post contained only the words “Cole Allen” and has since gone viral following Saturday night’s events.
Cole Allen
— Henry Martinez (@HenryMa79561893) December 22, 2023
After Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California, the post has sparked intense debate online and has been viewed more than 21 million times on X as of this report. Some users have dismissed the post as pure coincidence, while others have questioned whether it could possibly relate to the latest attempt on President Trump’s life.
The profile picture is literally Pepe in a tux 🤯 https://t.co/ct1FxEFYii pic.twitter.com/13931MsY42
— Eric Spracklen 🇺🇸 (@EricSpracklen) April 26, 2026
As discussions continue to swirl surrounding the mysterious post, investigators have released a number of details on Allen’s motivations and planning ahead of the attack.
Harrowing security camera footage captured Allen charging towards an outer security checkpoint while armed with a shotgun. He managed to squeeze off at least one shot, which wounded a Secret Service agent, before he was apprehended by additional officer.
According to a senior U.S. official cited by CBS News, Allen left behind a written document described as a “manifesto” in his hotel room. The document stated that he wanted to target officials in the Trump administration, though no official transcript has been released as of this report.
Investigators recovered paper writings from the hotel room as part of their review of his motive. Allen also sent some of his writings to family members prior to the incident, one of whom alerted police upon receiving them.
A family member interviewed by investigators reported that Allen had made radical statements and frequently referenced a plan to do “something” to address issues with the world today. Authorities have also noted anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric on Allen’s social media accounts.
Relatives further indicated that Allen attended a “No Kings” protest in California and was part of a group called “The Wide Awakes,” CBS News reported. Details on his specific role or statements at the protest have not been disclosed by investigators as of this report.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told CNN that Allen is believed to have traveled by rail from California to Chicago, and then onwards to Washington D.C. prior to carrying out the attack. He legally purchased a shotgun in 2025, as well as a handgun in 2023.
Records indicate that Allen donated $25 to a political action committee associated with Kamala Harris’ presidential election campaign in 2024. He also attended a local “No Kings” protest, was involved with a local activist group and made several anti-Trump and anti-Christian posts on social media.
