Fact Check: Was WHCD suspect Cole Allen an Epstein-Israel conspiracy theorist?

WASHINGTON, DC: Online rumors about the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting suspect continue to spread rapidly. 

Laura Loomer has allegedly claimed that Cole Tomas Allen, the 31-year-old accused in the April 26, 2026, assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, held Epstein- and Israel-related conspiracy theories and was radicalized by podcasters.

Authorities say Allen, from Torrance, California, allegedly rushed a Secret Service checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives before being subdued. Let’s fact-check the claim.

Claim: Laura Loomer reported that Trump's assassin was an Epstein theorist

The rumor about Laura Loomer’s alleged claim regarding the Trump assassination attempt originated from an X post by user TheGeneralMCNews. The post stated, “BREAKING: Laura Loomer says the Trump assassin was an ‘Epstein and Israel conspiracy theorist’ who was radicalized by podcasters.” It also included an image of Trump with Laura Loomer, who has previously been seen at public events alongside him as a vocal supporter.

This claim surfaced shortly after the shooting incident involving 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen. Allen, who has no known prior criminal record, allegedly rushed a Secret Service checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives before being subdued.

Reports also suggest that Allen sent a note to family members in which he referred to himself as a “friendly federal assassin” and expressed intent to target Trump administration officials, citing policy-related grievances.

President Trump, the First Lady, Vice President JD Vance, and others were present at the event and were safely evacuated. The incident is considered the first major assassination attempt on Trump since his return to office and occurred at a high-profile political and media gathering.

Authorities have stated that the motive behind the attack remains under investigation and has not yet been confirmed.

Fact Check: Laura Loomer’s claim about Trump remains unverified

Laura Loomer, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump known for her strong pro-Israel positions and history of controversial statements, has referenced the WHCD incident in the context of broader political debates surrounding Epstein-related issues and US policy discussions.

Loomer reportedly posted that the suspect was “radicalized by podcasters who spread Epstein conspiracy theories and Israel conspiracy theories.” However, the accuracy of these claims remains unverified.

The central claim linking the suspect’s motive to anti-Trump sentiment connected to Epstein-related allegations is partially supported by available reporting. Early information suggests the suspect expressed grievances against Trump and referenced broader accusations seen in certain online narratives about Epstein and related controversies.

However, claims regarding “Israel conspiracy theories” and direct radicalization through podcasters remain unconfirmed. Current evidence more clearly points to dissatisfaction with domestic political issues and Trump administration policies, rather than a specific ideological framework tied to Israel or identified media figures.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing writings, digital activity, and other materials linked to the suspect. As with many rapidly developing cases, early interpretations from different online sources may not reflect the full verified picture. Further details are expected as the inquiry continues.