Fact Check: Did WHCD suspect Cole Allen work as Savannah Guthrie's driver?

WASHINGTON, DC: Following the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, April 25, a claim began circulating on social media platforms that the suspected shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, used to work for 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie as a driver, triggering questions. Let us analyze the origins of the claim and fact-check it.

Claim: Cole Tomas Allen worked as Savannah Guthrie's driver

The viral claim surfaced on X alongside a photo showing Allen standing next to 'Today' show host Guthrie. According to the post, Allen used to work as a driver for Savannah, and claims that his wife works as her assistant. 

“Cole Allen's wife currently works as Savannah Guthrie's assistant. Small world,” one person wrote on X. Another added, “I guess now you know what happened to Nancy Guthrie.”

Savannah made headlines this year following the abduction of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing from her home on February 1 and has not been found.

Fact Check: No credible evidence supports claims linking Cole Tomas Allen to Savannah Guthrie

However, there is no credible evidence that Allen used to work for Savannah, as the claims come from unverified accounts. 

There is also no indication that Allen was married, and his wife works as Guthrie’s assistant.

According to a fact check by Grok, “The shooter at the April 25, 2026 WHCD was indeed 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, CA. He's a teacher, mechanical engineer, and game developer—not a former driver for Savannah Guthrie, and no reports indicate his wife works as her assistant." 

"That specific claim (and the photo pairing) comes from a fake-news blog pushing clickbait. Credible sources (CNN, CBS, LA Times, NPR, BBC) confirm only the basic ID and background,” the AI assistant added. 

Family shocked as Cole Tomas Allen's motive is investigated 

Allen is being described as coming from a high-achieving family, with relatives expressing shock over his alleged actions and extremist views. 

Investigators are now examining his background, writings, and online activity as part of a broader probe into the motive behind the incident. 

Allen’s family members were reportedly alarmed after his alleged manifesto surfaced, revealing anti-Donald Trump rhetoric and violent intent. 

His sister recounted his “radical” statements to federal investigators, while his brother contacted police after receiving a disturbing message from him on the day of the attack.  

Relatives and those close to the family have described them as private and academically driven, making the allegations against Allen all the more unexpected.

Public records also show that his father held a leadership role at a local church, which declined to comment following the incident.