Cole Thomas Allen, who is accused of attempting to carry out a shooting at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, assembled multiple weapons in the months and years leading up to the incident.
according to new york postAllen purchased a Maverick 12-gauge pump-action shotgun in August 2025 from Turner’s Outdoorsman. He previously purchased an Armscor semi-automatic pistol in October 2023 from CAP Tactical Firearms.
Authorities said he stored the weapons at his parents’ home in Torrance. He was armed with a shotgun, pistol and knife when police stopped him near the event.
Turner’s Outdoorsman describes itself on its website as “Texas Liberty, California Style” and sells outdoor gear and firearms.
When asked about the purchase, an employee said they “cannot confirm or deny the information,” and referred questions to the corporate office, the New York Post reported.
In addition, CAP Tactical Firearms is a family-owned store run by Bill Mullen, and they also sell firearms and related equipment. Mullen said in a past interview that “sometimes it’s hard to remind people that not everyone who owns a gun is a criminal,” adding, “The most important factor behind the business is the product (guns), coupled with our strong belief and understanding of our Second Amendment rights. We have the right to bear and keep arms, whether for sport or self-defense,” he continued, according to the New York Post.
The store says it follows strict background checks and licensing rules. Mullen also said in a previous interview, “We are a small, family-owned and operated gun dealer that provides one-on-one service and seeks to educate new shooters and bring families together through the sport. We have a clean, relaxed environment that is child- and family-friendly.” Calls to him were not answered, according to the New York Post.
Allen’s family told investigators that Allen often went to shooting ranges for firearms training, reporters reported.
Also read: Cole Tomas Allen parent: Neighbors we know speak out after WH shooting, ‘very reliable and…’
Who is Cole Allen? What are the charges against him?
According to his LinkedIn profile newsweekwho is a game developer, engineer, scientist, and teacher. He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Caltech in 2017, followed by a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025.
Allen faces two counts of using a firearm during a violent crime and one count of assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced late Saturday, with additional charges expected after a court appearance Monday.
