While federal officials have described the assassination attempt suspect at White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. as someone who plotted a brazen attack against the president of the United States, those who knew Cole Tomas Allen as a student, churchgoer and tutor remembered him as a shy and quiet person.

Students and staff at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills were alerted over the weekend, confirming Allen attended Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.

Video from the school commencement program showed Allen graduating with a master’s degree in computer science in 2025 after earning his bachelor’s from Caltech.

“(Allen was) a very good student, always sitting in the front row, paying attention, soft spoken, very polite,” computer science professor Dr. Bin Tang told NBC Los Angeles. “I’m very shocked to see the news.”

Prior to attending Caltech, Allen went to Pacific Lutheran in Gardena. School administrators confirmed he attended his senior year at the school and played on a sports team.

“There were no issues that I’m aware of,” the school’s principal told NBCLA. “We are praying for him, his family and everyone involved.”

A pastor at the United Reformed Church of Pasadena, which Allen attended while at Caltech, described him as a faithful member of the church. The pastor said Allen was an ordinary guy who didn’t express political views.

Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance is accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Here’s a closer look at his ties to Southern California, as well as Telemundo Anchor Dunia Elvir’s firsthand account of the chaos that unfolded. Mekahlo Medina and Dunia Elvir report for the NBC4 News at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Those who knew Allen through work said they immediately recognized him when his pictures were all over the internet, social media and television. Allen worked as a tutor at C2 Education, a private tutoring company, in Torrance. He was even named teacher of the month in December 2024.

Nathania Miranda, a 13-year-old who was tutored three times by Allen, thought he was very smart and outgoing. Her father even described him as a “cool guy.”

Cesilia Peralta, the mother of a 11-year-old girl who was also tutored by Allen, echoed what people at his alma maters said about him: He was shy and quiet.

“You never know who you are around,” said Peralta.

C2 Education released a statement to NBC Los Angeles regarding Allen.

“We are shocked to hear the news of the horrifying incident that transpired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to assist them in their investigation. Violence of any kind is never the answer.”