Crime
Avriana Allen, Sister of WHCD Suspect Cole Allen Holds Journalism Degree and Developed Voter Guides for CalMatters
Avriana F. Allen, the 27-year-old sister of White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD) shooting suspect Cole Tomas Allen, has drawn public attention following the high-profile incident involving Donald Trump and senior administration officials.
While her name has surfaced in online discussions, there is currently no verified evidence linking her to the attack, nor any indication she had prior knowledge or involvement.
Public records indicate that Avriana Allen resides in Washington, D.C., and shares familial ties with the suspect through their mother, Kathleene A. Allen.
The siblings are also reported to have shared past residential addresses in Torrance, California.
Avriana Allen is academically accomplished, holding a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism (Class of 2021).
During her studies, she double-majored in journalism and statistics, while also completing a minor in creative writing. Her academic profile reflects a strong foundation in both analytical and media disciplines.
Following her graduation, Allen contributed to civic-focused journalism projects, including the development of interactive California voter guides for major election cycles such as the 2021 recall election, the 2022 general election, and the 2024 presidential election.
These projects were created for CalMatters, a nonprofit news organization focused on California public policy.
She currently works as a Junior Tooling and Support Engineer at the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., where her role is believed to involve technical support and data-related systems.
In the aftermath of the WHCD shooting, some online voices have called for further scrutiny of Allen due to her familial connection to the suspect. However, authorities have not confirmed any investigative focus on her, and no official statements suggest she played any role in the incident.
It is important to distinguish between verified facts and speculation, particularly in high-profile cases where individuals connected by family may become subjects of public attention without evidence of wrongdoing.
According to federal law enforcement sources, Cole Tomas Allen allegedly traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington, D.C., in the days leading up to the event. He reportedly checked into the Washington Hilton hotel one day prior to the WHCD.
Officials have indicated that Allen initially spoke with investigators but has since become uncooperative.
Authorities have executed multiple search warrants as part of the ongoing investigation.
Despite the swift response by the U.S. Secret Service and federal law enforcement—which successfully secured the venue and evacuated key officials—early reports have highlighted several potential security vulnerabilities, including:
- Lack of consistent photo ID verification and attendee list enforcement
- Absence of magnetometers (metal detectors) at certain entry points
- Public accessibility to parts of the hotel during event-related activities
- Limited oversight regarding the presence and location of members of Congress
- Questions surrounding how the suspect allegedly moved from his hotel room into a secured area while armed
A comprehensive after-action review is expected to assess these concerns and determine how such lapses may have occurred.
The investigation into the WHCD shooting remains active, with federal authorities continuing to examine the suspect’s motives, movements, and potential targets.
While reports suggest the suspect may have expressed intent to target administration officials, officials have not released full details publicly.
At this stage, no credible evidence connects Avriana Allen to the planning or execution of the attack, and any claims suggesting otherwise remain unverified.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.