Federal agents have carried out a search at the residence of Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old man connected to a shooting event at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
On the evening of April 25 into April 26, FBI agents, along with local police, arrived at the suspect’s two-story home in Torrance, California. As police helicopters hovered above, news crews and local residents gathered near the barricaded streets.
An FBI spokesperson confirmed reporters’ claims that agents executed a federal search warrant as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
At a White House press briefing, President Donald Trump mentioned the search, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the agency quickly responded and is examining evidence collected at the scene.
“The FBI was rapidly deployed onto the scene, took over the evidence response unit, and is examining all the ballistics found, including the long gun and shell casings,” Patel stated.
The Torrance search was initiated after Allen had been apprehended at the hotel. Reportedly, he charged at a Secret Service checkpoint near the magnetometer screening area outside the ballroom shortly after 8:40 p.m. Eastern Time.
Officials noted he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. During the chaotic rush at the checkpoint, he reportedly fired at least one shot, wounding a Secret Service agent, though the bullet was deflected by an officer’s chest plate.
Disturbing footage captured agents responding with drawn weapons, eventually subduing and taking Allen into custody before transporting him to a nearby hospital.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced initial charges against Allen for using a firearm during a violent crime and for assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
“Thankfully, due to the checkpoint just outside the ballroom where many people were gathered to hear the president, there were no serious injuries,” Pirro remarked during a press conference.
She indicated that further charges may be forthcoming and noted that an arraignment is expected on the upcoming Monday. At this point, officials believe Allen acted independently.
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
