Insights from Southern Californians Who Know the Press Gala Suspect

Community Shocked by Allegations Against Cole Tomas Allen

The news that Cole Tomas Allen has been named as a suspect in an assassination attempt against President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has left those who knew him in disbelief. Friends, classmates, and educators describe him as a quiet and reserved individual, contrasting sharply with the serious allegations against him.

Allen, a student at California State University, Dominguez Hills, was confirmed as part of the university community over the weekend. A video from the school’s commencement program featured him graduating with a master’s degree in computer science in 2025, building on a foundation established at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he received his bachelor’s degree.

“(Allen was) a very good student, always sitting in the front row, paying attention, soft-spoken, very polite,” said Dr. Bin Tang, a computer science professor at the university. “I’m very shocked to see the news.”

Before his time at Caltech, Allen attended Pacific Lutheran High School in Gardena, where school officials confirmed he participated in sports during his senior year. The school’s principal noted, “There were no issues that I’m aware of. We are praying for him, his family, and everyone involved.”

At the United Reformed Church of Pasadena, where Allen attended while at Caltech, a pastor reflected on his character, describing him as a faithful, ordinary member who rarely expressed political opinions. “He was an ordinary guy,” the pastor remarked.

Currently residing in Torrance, Allen is accused of attempting to assassinate the president at a high-profile event. His connections to Southern California have been highlighted, including firsthand accounts of the ensuing chaos, as reported by Mekahlo Medina and Telemundo Anchor Dunia Elvir.

Recognizable to many in his community, Allen worked as a tutor at C2 Education in Torrance, where he was named Teacher of the Month in December 2024. Nathania Miranda, a 13-year-old student he tutored, described him as “very smart and outgoing,” while her father referred to him as a “cool guy.” In contrast, Cesilia Peralta, mother of an 11-year-old tutored by Allen, echoed sentiments from his former educators, noting his shy nature. “You never know who you are around,” she remarked.

In response to the allegations, C2 Education issued a statement expressing their shock. “We are shocked to hear the news of the horrifying incident that transpired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to assist them in their investigation. Violence of any kind is never the answer,” the company stated.