Authorities in Washington, DC, have not formally released the name of the man in custody, but multiple news reports have identified him. Records show he had a room booked under the name Cole Tomas Allen, a 31‑year‑old from Torrance, California.
The identification appears to have come from information he provided when checking in at the Washington Hilton before the event.
Video footage shows Allen rushing a police line in an attempt to enter the ballroom, where US President Donald Trump sat alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Cabinet members, and members of the press gathered for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
In some images, Allen appears half‑naked, apparently stripped to ensure he was not carrying any explosive device.
Later that evening, speaking from the White House, Trump described Allen as “sick,” saying he looked “evil” and was “something of a whack job.”
The president added, “I don’t like to let these sick people, these thugs, these horrible, horrible people change the fabric of our lives, change the course of what we do.”
Trump also posted photos showing the curly‑haired man lying face down on a carpet with his hands tied behind his back. Trump said federal authorities were investigating the suspect’s California residence.
After being escorted off stage during the incident, Trump said, “The man has been captured. They’re going to his apartment. I guess he lives in California, and he’s a sick person, a very sick person, and we don’t want things like this to happen.”
While speaking at the White House alongside Cabinet members, Trump described the suspect’s actions and said, “A man charged a security checkpoint, armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service.”
CNN reports that the suspect is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital while remaining in police custody.
