'We were horrified': Cole Allen’s employer C2 Education condemns WHCD shooting
WASHINGTON, DC: After a 31-year-old teacher, Cole Allen, opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, his employer released a statement on Sunday, April 26, calling the shooting ‘horrifying.’
An annual gala organized to honor journalists and hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association on Saturday, April 25, was disrupted by gunfire, sending the event into chaos.
C2 Education releases statement after WHCD shooting
C2 Education, a tutoring and college preparation center where Allen began working in 2020, issued a statement condemning the shooting as ‘horrifying’ and said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement investigating the incident.
“We were shocked to hear the news of the horrifying incident that transpired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” the company told Fox News Digital.
“We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to assist them in their investigation. Violence of any kind is never the answer.”
Allen joined C2 Education as a tutor in 2020 in Torrance, California, soon after graduating from Caltech. According to a social media post, he was recognized as Teacher of the Month at C2 Education in December 2024.
Gunfire disrupts White House correspondents dinner
Nearly 30 minutes after Donald Trump and the first lady entered the Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, a gunman opened fire near the event’s main security screening area, prompting the evacuation of key officials and attendees.
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Saturday, April 25. The gunman, Cole Allen, engaged in a firefight with security personnel, injuring one of the Secret Service agents.
Later, during a press briefing, Trump confirmed that the wounded serviceman was in good condition, as the bulletproof vest had done its job.
Nearly 2,000 guests, including journalists and high-profile administration members, were gathered for the annual WHCD event at the Washington Hilton when the sound of gunshots left attendees panicked and anxious, with many rushing under tables for safety.
A number of top administration officials were in attendance, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Trump urges peaceful political discourse
Shortly after, guests were evacuated by Secret Service agents and the building was secured. President Donald Trump then addressed a press conference, urging peaceful political discourse.
Trump said, "I asked that all Americans recommit with their hearts and resolve our differences peacefully.”
"We have to resolve our differences. I will say you had Republicans, Democrats, independents, conservatives, liberals and progressives."
The gunman was apprehended immediately and is currently in custody as the investigation continues.
