California man Allen is accused of attempting to break into the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in an attempt to assassinate President Trump. The Los Angeles Times reports that friends described him as 'quiet, polite, with excellent grades.' In recent years, his thinking turned more radical, an astonishing change.
On April 25, US President Trump attended the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Cole Allen, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, Southern California, tried to break in carrying a shotgun, ammunition, knives, and other weapons, but was subdued and arrested by Secret Service agents.
According to Central News Agency, the Los Angeles Times on the 3rd published a detailed report, interviewing Allen's neighbors, former classmates, coworkers, and parents of students, reconstructing his life journey and his recent changes.
The report points out that Allen grew up in Torrance, in a family of teachers, living a simple life and getting along well with neighbors. During his student years, he spoke little, rarely discussed politics, did well in school, and studied mechanical engineering at Caltech. He was active in clubs and competitions.
After graduating, Allen worked in engineering-related jobs, later becoming a computer game developer. Starting in 2020, he worked as a teacher at an educational consulting agency and was once selected as Teacher of the Year. People who knew him generally considered him friendly and professional, with his life focused on work and personal interests.
Described Trump as 'like a mob boss'
The report notes that in recent years, Allen's social media posts showed a clear change—whereas earlier he mostly shared video game content, later he started focusing on international affairs and political topics.
Especially after Russia launched war against Ukraine in 2023, Allen's social media posts included a large number of war footage and aid information, calling for donations to support Ukraine. He then shared posts criticizing Trump, with his comments becoming increasingly forceful, describing Trump as 'out of control' or 'like a mob boss,' although the posts did not contain obvious violent tendencies.
Rarely conflicted with others
The report noted that Allen's church friends from his Caltech days said he was 'quiet, nondescript, polite, and achieved excellent grades.' In the past, Allen rarely had conflicts with others; the most intense was only a debate with friends over whether church donations should be used for overseas children or local homeless people.