{"data":{"prismicArticle":{"uid":"caltech-graduate-named-suspect-in-dc-shooting","tags":["politics"],"first_publication_date":"2026-04-26T16:52:07+0000","last_publication_date":"2026-04-26T16:52:07+0000","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Caltech graduate named suspect in DC shooting"},"rating":null,"datetime":"2026-04-26T15:30:00+0000","img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ae5CZsBOoF08xTcW_dcshooting.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"embed":{"embed_url":null,"thumbnail_url":null,"author_url":null,"title":null},"content":{"raw":[{"text":"The man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has emerged as a highly educated but deeply puzzling figure, with a background that has shocked those who knew him."},{"text":"Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, has been identified by authorities as the suspect in the shooting that wounded a Secret Service officer and triggered a massive security response."},{"text":"Allen is a graduate of the California Institute of Technology, one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in the United States. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 2017 and later completed a master’s degree in computer science in 2025."},{"text":"He worked as a tutor at a private education company, where he was recognised as “teacher of the month” in December 2024, according to a company post."},{"text":"Allen also pursued interests in software and game development, creating physics-based video games and describing himself as an independent developer."},{"text":"Those who knew him expressed disbelief."},{"text":"“I’m in shock,” said George Daghlian, a former classmate. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”"},{"text":"A former teammate described him as “borderline genius” and said he was “really, really smart,” adding that Allen “didn’t have to study. It would just come to him.”"},{"text":"The same person said Allen was “probably the most gentle person on the team,” making the allegations even more surprising."},{"text":"Authorities say Allen legally purchased firearms in recent years, including a shotgun and a semi-automatic pistol. He is believed to have travelled by train from California to Washington via Chicago before checking into the hotel where the dinner was being held."},{"text":"Investigators have said he was carrying multiple weapons when he rushed a security checkpoint and opened fire."},{"text":"Officials have not confirmed a motive but said preliminary findings suggest he may have been targeting members of the Trump administration."},{"text":"The suspect has been described by Trump as a “lone wolf” and a “very sick person.”"},{"text":"Allen is expected to face federal charges, including assault on a federal officer and firearm-related offences, with additional charges possible."},{"text":"The incident has raised broader questions about how individuals with no prior criminal record and strong academic backgrounds can become involved in acts of violence."},{"text":"Mass shootings in the United States have often involved individuals with varied personal histories, and investigators typically examine psychological, ideological and social factors in such cases."},{"text":"Authorities said the investigation into Allen’s background, online activity and motivations is ongoing."}]}}},"relatedArticles":{"edges":[{"node":{"uid":"harbhajans-security-removed-after-aap-exit","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Harbhajan’s Security Removed After AAP Exit"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F8bdfbd4f-b6a8-4ed8-909c-106276603cf4_harbhajan.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-26T16:47:13+0000"}}},{"node":{"uid":"governor-picks-azhar-kodandaram-as-mlcs","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Governor Picks Azhar, Kodandaram as MLCs"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aLM8BGGNHVfTOdxI_azharkodanda.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-26T14:38:00+0000"}}},{"node":{"uid":"anna-hazare-explodes-on-party-switchers","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Anna Hazare Explodes on Party Switchers"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/46c85df2-8d0e-479f-ab8c-404472e64c3d_anna+hazzare.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-26T13:12:00+0000"}}},{"node":{"uid":"win-or-lose-delhi-fans-have-just-one-hero---kohli","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Win or lose, Delhi fans have just one hero - Kohli"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/dd29b26a-3d80-4fd0-a4d0-aeb6e0181ddf_kohli.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-26T06:51:00+0000"}}},{"node":{"uid":"dangerous-profession-trump-reflects-after-shooting","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Dangerous profession': Trump reflects after shooting"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/a6217d3e-6587-47fe-b814-f7f75e54aa2e_trump+tweet.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-26T04:12:00+0000"}}},{"node":{"uid":"gunshots-at-white-house-trump-evacuated-safely","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Gunshots at White House; 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