Federal authorities conducted a search of the residence linked to Cole Tomas Allen, the 31-year-old man identified by law enforcement as the suspect in a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C.
The FBI, in coordination with local police, arrived at the modest two-story tract home in Torrance, California, on the evening of April 25 and into April 26. News crews and a sizable crowd of neighbors gathered outside as police helicopters circled overhead the cordoned off streets.
A spokesperson for the FBI confirmed to reporters that agents were executing a federal search warrant in connection with the ongoing investigation, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times.
President Donald Trump, who was evacuated from the dinner along with First Lady Melania Trump and most senior cabinet members, referenced the search during a White House press conference following the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel added that the agency had rapidly deployed to the scene in Washington and was examining evidence there.
“The FBI was rapidly deployed onto the scene, took over the evidence response unit, um is examining all the ballistics that were found on scene to include the long gun and the shell casings.”
Cole Tomas Allen
The search in Torrance occurred after the suspect was taken into custody at the hotel. Allen, who law enforcement officials said was staying as a guest at the Washington Hilton, charged a Secret Service checkpoint near the main magnetometer screening area outside the ballroom shortly after 8:40 p.m. Eastern Time.
He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, according to the FBI. The gunman managed to squeeze off at least one shot when he frantically rushed the checkpoint, which wounded a Secret Service agent. An officer-worn chest plate managed to deflect the bullet and spare the agent from serious injury.
Harrowing footage from the scene showed multiple agents drawing their service weapons to return fire, at which point Allen was subdued. He was then taken into custody and transported to an area hospital.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced preliminary charges against Allen of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
“And thankfully, because of the checkpoint right outside the ballroom where thousands of people were situated to hear the president of the United States – because that checkpoint worked, there was no one who was injured when it was clear where this defendant was going,” Pirro said during a press conference.
She further indicated that additional charges would likely be filed and that arraignment was scheduled for Monday. Officials further indicated that it is believed Allen acted alone at this time.
Crowd outside of Cole Allen’s alleged home on Torance, CA continues to grow larger and larger as helicopters whirl above. pic.twitter.com/5vkTpLDGJp
— Cam Higby 🇺🇸 (@camhigby) April 26, 2026
