Sister of DC shooter says Cole Thomas Allen wanted to ‘fix the world’ after attempted attack targeting Trump
Shooter Cole Thomas Allen’s manifesto says he wanted to target Trump administration officials
The family of Cole Thomas Allen has raised concerns about his behavior before his alleged shooting attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, DC, on Saturday night.According to a senior US official cited by CBS News, Allen’s sister, Avariana, told investigators that he often talked about doing “something” to fix the problems in the world.A 31-year-old California man is accused of opening fire near the entrance to the Washington Hilton Hotel during a high-profile political media event attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and other senior officials. Secret Service agents immediately intervened and Allen was taken into custody after a brief confrontation. One officer was injured but protected by a bulletproof vest.Allen had sent texts to family members shortly before the incident. Those articles included political complaints and strong criticism of government institutions, although officials have not said they directly referred to the planned attack. A family member, Cole’s brother, alerted law enforcement after receiving the manifesto, CBS News reports.Law enforcement sources also said Allen had a history of making radical political statements online and in personal conversations. His family told investigators that he regularly went to shooting ranges for practice and that he had purchased firearms legally in the years before the attack. Records reviewed by Bloomberg News show he acquired both a handgun and a shotgun through licensed dealers in California.According to Fox News reporting, investigators found widespread anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric in Allen’s social media accounts. Additionally, Allen was associated with a group called “The Wide Awake” and participated in the “No Kings” protests in California.According to the Federal Election Commission, Allen donated $25 to ActBlue, a political action committee that raises money for Democrats in October 2024. This money was for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Alan worked as a part-time tutor and software/game developer.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez donate $34 million to develop plastic-free clothing for sustainable fashion world News
jeff bezos And Lauren Sanchez Bezos has pledged $34 million through the Earth Fund to accelerate the development of sustainable textiles. The funding focuses on alternatives to traditional materials like polyester and viscose, which are largely derived from fossil fuels. By supporting research into biodegradable and plastic-free fibres, the initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. What started as conservation-focused philanthropy is now expanding into material innovation, targeting one of the most resource-intensive sectors of the global economy.
Jeff Bezos expands climate efforts in sustainable fashion
Since launching in 2020 with a $10 billion climate pledge, the Bezos Earth Fund has primarily supported conservation, climate science, and environmental protection projects. This investment signals a shift toward industrial transformation, particularly in fashion, where materials account for a significant share of emissions and environmental damage.Textile production depends largely on synthetic fibers such as polyester, which are made from petroleum. These materials are sustainable and affordable, but also non-biodegradable and contribute to microplastic pollution. By funding alternatives, the Earth Fund is targeting the root of the industry’s environmental impact.The grants will be awarded to leading research institutions working on next-generation textiles, including Columbia University, University of California, Berkeley, Clemson University and organizations affiliated with the Cotton Foundation. Researchers are exploring ways to produce fiber using bacteria, agricultural waste and other bio-based inputs. Some projects aim to create materials that mimic the properties of silk or cotton while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and water-intensive processes. The goal is to develop fabrics that are high-performing and environmentally sustainable, with plastic-free alternatives being a key objective rather than a guaranteed outcome.
Why is fashion under scrutiny?
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global emissions and waste, a significant portion of which comes from the production of raw materials. Synthetic fabrics release microplastics during use and washing, while natural fibers like cotton require large amounts of water and land.Efforts to improve sustainability have traditionally focused on recycling and supply chain efficiency, but there is growing recognition that changing materials can have a greater long-term impact.
Challenges in scaling new materials
Despite rapid innovation, scaling up sustainable textiles remains difficult. Many of the materials being developed are still expensive to produce and have not yet reached commercial scale. Startups in this sector often face a lack of funding, and adoption by major fashion brands can be slow due to cost and supply chain limitations.Even when alternatives are available, the industry continues to rely on established materials because they are cheaper and easier to obtain, creating a gap between innovation and widespread adoption.
Widespread debate around impact
While the Bezos Earth Fund operates independently, Jeff Bezos remains the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, one of the world’s largest apparel retailers. The company has faced criticism over emissions associated with manufacturing and logistics, raising questions about the broader impact of corporate-led climate initiatives.Environmental groups and lawmakers have pointed to the investigation alleging that Amazon warehouses contain large amounts of unsold or returned goods marked for destruction. According to a 2021 ITV News investigation, millions of new or lightly used items were reportedly discarded, with one UK facility marking more than 120,000 items for destruction in a single week. Amazon has said it is working to reduce product disposal and prioritize resale, donation and recycling.Some sustainability advocates argue that simply improving materials cannot fully solve fashion’s environmental challenges, instead pointing to overproduction and consumer demand as key drivers of the industry’s footprint.The fund expects some of the supported innovations to begin reaching the market within the estimated three to five years, although the timeline remains uncertain. Transforming a global industry built on cheap, fossil fuel-based materials will take time.For now, this investment represents a step toward rethinking what clothes are made of, which has the potential to reshape fashion at its most basic level.
Kash Patel seen ‘scrolling his phone’ as agents escorted guests out of DC over fear of Trump-linked shooting: ‘No sense of urgency’
Kash Patel is checking his phone
FBI Director Kash Patel Security forces evacuated guests amid fears of gunfire near a high-profile Washington dinner attended by US President Donald Trump, who is facing criticism after he was filmed scrolling on his phone.The incident occurred Saturday night outside the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was being held. As Secret Service agents moved in to secure the area and evacuate attendees, Patel was seen relaxed in a clip going viral on social media, first talking on his phone and then scrolling through it.
The footage sparked a wave of backlash online, with critics questioning his conduct at the moment of crisis. Some viewers claimed that the FBI chief showed “no sense of urgency”.“FBI Director Kash Patel was seen on his phone after the event, wandering around outside the venue looking like a random WHCD attendee trying to figure out how to get an Uber,” said leftist media outlet MeidasTouch, which shared the video clip.Another user replied, “It’s clear this idiot has no idea what he’s doing, no wonder Trump is going to fire him.”There was criticism after details about the shooting emerged. Authorities say the suspect, 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, who was a guest at the hotel, approached a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun and a knife. He exchanged fire with officers before being subdued.Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer said he saw the suspect fire several shots using a “very serious” weapon, while BBC correspondent Gary O’Donoghue said security at the venue was “not particularly heavy”.Despite the breach, security personnel prevented the attacker from entering the main ballroom where the President and other senior figures were present.Trump praised the Secret Service’s response, saying that agents acted “bravely” and that he and Vice President J.D. Vance were quickly evacuated to safety. “I can’t imagine there is any profession that is more dangerous,” he told reporters hours later.However, Patel struck a different tone later that evening, publicly praising Trump during remarks after returning to the White House.“Mr. President, you motivate them 24/7, 365,” Patel said.His comments come amid growing speculation about his future in office. Politico’s report this week suggested Patel could be the next senior official to leave the administration, with a source saying, “It’s only a matter of time.”The investigation surrounding Patel extends beyond the weekend incident. He is currently facing multiple charges, including claims of misconduct, excessive alcohol consumption during work hours, and misuse of FBI resources. One report alleged that he used a Bureau plane to attend the Milan Winter Olympics, a trip that cost taxpayers up to $75,000.Controversy escalated following claims that he had attendance problems while on duty and was “apparently known to drink alcohol to the point of intoxication”. Patel has denied the allegations and has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, calling its reporting a “hit piece” full of “lies.”
‘Bizarre’: Former student of White House shooting suspect says Cole Allen seemed like a perfectly average guy
One former student said that Cole Thomas Allen came across as a completely average person.
A former student of White House shooting suspect Cole Allen said he seemed like a ‘completely average guy’ who had no chance of doing anything like what he did. When Cole Thomas Allen, 31, opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, a former student said, “It’s weird.”The Caltech graduate also recently won “Teacher of the Month.” Allen had a gun, a handgun and a knife and was a guest at the Washington Hilton where the dinner was being held.Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch told NBC News that Allen told police he was going after “administration officials,” but that he was probably not targeting anyone in particular and was alone.A former classmate said, Allen was never able to do anything like that. George Daghlian, who was in the Caltech Christian Fellowship Club with Allen, told the Wall Street Journal that he was shocked.He also earned a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills.According to a LinkedIn post, Allen worked as a teacher at C2 Education, a private tutoring and test-prep company, where he was named teacher of the month in December 2024.According to voting records, Allen was registered as having no party preference. According to Federal Election Commission filings, he donated $25 to ActBlue with the memo “Determined for Harris to run for president in 2024.”Allen lives in Torrance, about 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The FBI raided the house late Saturday night and also talked to neighbors. Allen is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. He has been charged with two counts – use of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on federal officers using a dangerous weapon.According to reports, Allen apparently trekked from Los Angeles to Chicago before heading to Washington, DC.
‘Trump and administration officials’: Acting AG reveals who was the gunman’s target in WH shooting
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that investigators believe the gunman who tried to enter the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was targeting members of the Trump administration.“It appears that he really targeted people who worked in the administration, possibly including the president,” Blanch told Meet the Press.Law enforcement officials who examined the suspect’s electronic devices and writings initially believe his intent was to target members of the administration attending the dinner. He attempted to enter the ballroom, but was thrown to the ground in a chaotic scene that resulted in shots being fired, President Donald Trump being escorted off the stage and guests hiding under tables.Blanch said authorities believe the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where he checked in as a guest at a hotel hosting a high-profile event Saturday night.Investigators have not publicly released the suspect’s name, but two law enforcement officials familiar with the case identified him to The Associated Press as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance. Police also visited Allen’s California home.Blanch said the suspect is believed to have purchased the firearms he possesses over the past few years. He said the suspect is “not actively cooperating” with the investigation and is expected to face multiple charges on Monday.“At this point it appears he is a lone actor, a lone gunman,” D.C. Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said.
Stayed at the Hilton, no metal detector: How suspect bypassed security, opened fire at WH correspondents’ dinner
The suspect was identified as Cole Thomas Allen.
A White House Correspondents’ Association dinner celebrating freedom of the press erupted Saturday evening when an armed man breached security at the Washington Hilton and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement officers before being taken into custody.Investigators believe the suspect was able to get close to the incident due to gaps in the outer layers of security. Officials said he was staying at the hotel, which allowed him to enter as a guest and undergo external screening.
After the hotel was closed to the public from 2 p.m. until the 8 p.m. dinner, entry was restricted to hotel guests, ticket holders, invited attendees, and those with official documentation from the White House Correspondents’ Association.Officials also said that there were no metal detectors at the hotel entrances, with a secure perimeter established only close to the ballroom where the event was being held.A volunteer described how the suspect used an unsecured area inside the hotel to prepare the attack. Helen Mabus, quoted by the New York Post, said he was in a “temporary room” near the roof level entrance where bar carts were stored and that “there was no security” at the time. “He was in that room […] He took it out of a bag or something,” she said, adding that the weapon “was long” and “didn’t look like a normal gun.”He said he partially took the safety off while handling the weapon and then put it together […] Ran towards the stairs to go to the ballroom.Jeff Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department said the suspect “attacked a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint” while carrying a shotgun, a handgun and several knives. He was pinned to the ground and handcuffed and it appeared that he was a “lone” gunman.According to the Associated Press, the suspect was identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia said he has been charged with aggravated firearms and assault.Security for the annual event is usually tight when the President attends. Inside the ballroom, additional measures were taken, including the Secret Service maintaining another perimeter around the President that included a buffer separating him and others seated at the main table from the rest of the attendees. Agents were stationed at the front of the stage and in its wings with heavily armed counter-attack teams ready to respond.Law enforcement officials said their “multi-layered security” worked as designed, even as the incident highlighted how the suspect was able to pass through less secure areas before reaching the interior checkpoint.Trump said the incident underscores why he wants to build a $400 million ballroom equipped with the latest security features on the White House grounds, a project that is currently subject to litigation.
‘Put it together, ran to the ballroom’: Volunteer remembers WH gunman gathering ‘long weapon’ in ‘makeshift room’
Cole Allen identified as suspect in White House correspondents’ dinner shooting incident (ANI)
A White House correspondents’ dinner volunteer said the suspected gunman was able to assemble a “long weapon” inside an unsecured, lightly monitored area near a roof-level entrance near the ballroom before the attack.The witness, Helen Mabus, a volunteer working at the event, described a “temporary room” near the entrance where bar carts were being kept and where “there was no security” at the time.
“He was in that room […] He took it out of a bag or something,” Mabus said, adding that the weapon “was long” and “didn’t look like a normal gun,” Mabus said, as quoted by the New York Post.Mabus said the suspect was partially out of sight as he handled the weapon inside the room before heading toward the main venue. “He put it together and […] “Ran for the stairs to go to the ballroom,” she said.The gunman then began firing in multiple directions as guests and staff tried to flee.“It seemed like he was shooting everywhere,” Mabus said, estimating that he heard “at least 10 shots.”He said the firing caused immediate panic, with people screaming and running as armed personnel responded. Mabus said she ran in the opposite direction and did not see the suspect being held.The gunman, identified as Cole Allen of Torrance, California, was arrested after reportedly entering the Washington Hilton hotel and heading toward the ballroom, where President Trump and about 2,500 guests had gathered.Trump described him as potentially a “lone wolf guy” who “looked very bad.”The shooting began near the indoor security screening area after 8.30 pm, when salads were being served to guests. The Secret Service escorted Trump from the room, while members of his Cabinet hid under tables before being escorted out.A law enforcement officer was shot, with the bullet hitting his bulletproof vest. “When he ran into that checkpoint he had a shotgun, a handgun and several knives,” said D.C. Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll.“At this point it appears he is a lone actor, a lone gunman,” Carroll said. “There does not appear to be any risk to the public.”Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said Saturday that Allen was charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer.Dramatic video posted by Trump on social media shows Allen opening fire and running toward the ballroom.A LinkedIn profile matching his name and photo describes him as a teacher at C2 Education, a tutoring and test preparation company. According to social media posts, the company honored him with “Teacher of the Month” in December 2024.
Trump’s Golden Dome missile shield faces budget shortfall despite Pentagon pressure
President Donald Trump’s ambitious Golden Dome homeland missile defense initiative faces growing doubts over funding, congressional support and technical feasibility, even as top Pentagon officials insist the project is moving forward, according to a report by Politico.Senior Pentagon officials gathered at Fort Story, Virginia, on Thursday to show off progress on the program, which aims to create a nationwide shield against threats ranging from intercontinental ballistic missiles to drones. But behind the public optimism, the project faces enormous financial and political hurdles.
The Golden Dome system is expected to cost between $185 billion and $3 trillion, Politico reports, while the Pentagon is seeking $17 billion through budget reconciliation next year and only $400 million through the normal appropriations process.That strategy is already facing resistance from Republicans in Congress, who appear reluctant to trust reconciliation before the crucial midterm elections.Ken Calvert, chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, told POLITICO, “There is [reconciliation] The most efficient, effective way to spend money? In my mind, no.”The Golden Dome concept is designed to protect the United States from multiple threats by using a network of existing and next-generation systems linked by artificial intelligence capable of sharing battlefield data in real time. Major components are expected to be operational by 2028 to meet Trump’s deadline.Leading the Pentagon effort, General Mike Guerlein defended the feasibility of the program.“To the skeptics, let me say this,” Guettlin said. “The Golden Dome can be achieved. It is not a single point of failure.” He said the project aimed to strengthen global stability “by creating deep doubt in the minds of adversaries. They will not win.”However, Guettlin acknowledged that many of the technologies involved are classified and declined to provide detailed expense details.“I can’t tell you exactly where the money is going,” he said, adding that the system would combine land, air and space-based assets. “We’re actually buying hardware. We’re not prototyping.”An initial component is already undergoing domestic testing, Politico reported. The Army’s Long Range Persistent Surveillance System installed at Fort Story uses a 360-degree sensor array to detect cruise missiles, drones and aircraft.However, lawmakers have expressed frustration at the lack of detailed consultation from the administration.Representative George Whitesides said that communications had not yet “reached the level of detailed spending plans.”He said, “I have no objection to not throwing a lot of money out there without having a very cohesive vision of what it should do.”Questions have also been raised on capacity. Guettlin recently warned lawmakers that space-based interceptors, considered the centerpiece of the shield, could be eliminated if costs become prohibitive.“We’re very focused on affordability.” Guettlin told the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee. “If we can’t do it affordably, we won’t go into production.”Golden Dome received about $23 billion through the summer reconciliation package last year, but Politico said those funds were delayed, frustrating defense contractors seeking the contract.Jeff Hanke, president of space systems at L3Harris Technologies, said the industry had expected the process to move faster.“We just have to continue to work with them, share with them, help them move as fast as they can.”Politico reported that the White House planned to move the Golden Dome into the base federal budget after 2027 through a dedicated “Golden Dome for America Fund”, with estimated allocations of $14.7 billion in 2028, $15 billion in 2029, $16 billion in 2030, and $15.8 billion in 2031.For now, the future of Trump’s signature defense project largely depends on a Republican-controlled Congress that remains cautious about another reconciliation fight. Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst said alternative options were already being considered.“If the White House and Congress decide reconciliation is not right, we will go back to the White House and work with Congress to develop a new strategy.” [path]Hurst said.
Meet Emma Rodriguez: U.S. Army pilot and wife of newly appointed Dolphins linebacker Jacob Rodriguez international sports news
When Jacob Rodriguez was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 43rd overall selection in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the moment quickly moved beyond football, as the broadcast showed him embracing his wife, Emma Rodriguez, whose career as an active-duty U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot brought a different kind of attention to the scene.
Emma Rodriguez: Career and Background
Emma Rodriguez serves in the United States Army as a 15A Aviation Officer, flying the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, a central aircraft used in many military operations, placing her in a relatively small and highly trained group of military aviators. She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2023 and remains on active duty with an expected deployment in the coming months, confirmed in detail in an interview with Fox News. Still, his role carries a level of responsibility that stands on its own, and that dichotomy became part of the public reaction in real time, as shown in the now widely shared draft-night video of Jacob Rodriguez standing up when his name is called, pulling Emma Rodriguez into a long hug and kissing her cheek while family and friends cheer around him, a moment he later reshared on Instagram with the caption Kiya: “We’re going to Miami!!!!!!!!!!”.
Jacob Rodriguez: path to the NFL
Rodriguez arrived in Miami after a college career at Texas Tech that made him one of the most productive defensive players in the country. He led the entire FBS with seven forced fumbles, recorded a team-high 128 tackles, added 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions and six pass breakups, and in the process won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender, as well as the Butkus Award as the top linebacker. He also finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, underscoring the extent of his impact throughout the season. Prior to Texas Tech, he spent the 2021 college football season with Virginia, and he played his final collegiate game at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Dolphins, where Texas Tech was defeated 23–0 by the Oregon Ducks in the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinals, a game in which he recorded 11 total tackles.Speaking about his draft moment with ESPN, Rodriguez said, “I saw my name pop up where I was going to go and it echoed behind me and I was excited to go there.” He also talked about Miami’s history with Texas Tech linebackers: “Miami has a great track record… so I’m excited to join,” referencing a line that includes players like Jordan Brooks.
A relationship takes shape over time
The relationship between Jacob and Emma began during their teenage years in North Texas, when she attended Wichita Falls High School and he went to Rider High School, and it continued through the years of long distance as both took difficult paths. They got engaged in July 2023 and, in details that surprised many people around them, got married later the same day, formalizing a relationship that had already taken shape over distance and shared ambition. For much of that time, they were living apart due to Emma’s military commitments and Rodriguez’s development as a college prospect, with Rodriguez describing what she called “constant communication” to maintain stability as both careers progressed.
Shared moments, different worlds
Shortly before the draft, Rodriguez visited a flight simulator with his wife, later telling People.com that it gave him a new perspective. “I saw how she flies… it’s very stressful,” he said, noting that seeing her in her element gave him a deeper appreciation for what she does. This perspective shows how their careers ran parallel rather than intersecting, with one focused on the NFL and the other focused on active military service.
Jacob Rodriguez and Emma Rodriguez/Image: Instagram
what comes next
The next phase of their lives will continue that pattern, as Rodriguez begins his professional career in Miami while Emma prepares for deployment, further increasing the distance that has already defined their relationship. Rodriguez’s selection marks the beginning of his NFL career, but it also reveals a parallel story, where the demands of professional sports and military service go hand in hand, each with its own weight.
‘I’ve studied assassinations’: Trump explains why shootings keep happening to him during White House dinner
Following the shooting at the White House correspondents dinner in Washington on Saturday night, US President Donald Trump said he has “studied assassinations” and suggested that leaders with the most influence are often targeted.Trump made the comments while speaking to reporters after a shooter approached the site of a media event, sparking panic and a major security response.“I respectfully ask, why do you think this keeps happening to you?” a reporter asked Trump after the chaotic event.Trump responded by linking the attacks to his influence as president.“Well, you know, I’ve studied assassinations,” Trump said. “And let me tell you about the most influential people, the people who do the most – you take a look at Abraham Lincoln… The people who make the biggest impact are the ones they follow.”“I hate to say I’m honored by this, but I’ve done a lot of things,” Trump said. “We’ve changed this country, and there are a lot of people who are not happy with it. So I think that’s the answer.”Trump, who survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in 2024, also reflected on the personal risks of political life.“I lead a perfectly normal life, considering, you know, it’s a dangerous life,” he said.“A lot of other people, you know, you read stories where they become basket cases. To be honest, I’m not a basket case.”Despite his often aggressive relationship with the media, Trump took a softer stance toward reporters after the incident, saying that the atmosphere following the scare was marked by unity.She said there was “overwhelming love and coming together” after the event was disrupted due to the shooting.Trump also said he had prepared a speech for the dinner, which he described as “the most inappropriate speech I’ve ever given,” but joked that it would be “very boring” now that the event is rescheduled.The president also used the moment to criticize security at the Washington Hilton, where the correspondents’ dinner was held, and reiterated his push for a new ballroom under construction at the White House.Trump said the hotel was “not particularly safe” and that the incident reflected the need for a planned $400 million White House ballroom.