More details have been revealed about Cole Tomas Allen, the perpetrator of the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. According to investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), on October 6, 2023, Allen purchased a .38 caliber semi-automatic pistol in Southern California. Subsequently, on August 17, 2025, he also bought a 12-gauge shotgun in his hometown of Torrance, California. Authorities emphasize that both weapons were purchased legally, and in each case, Allen underwent a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), administered by the FBI, to verify whether he had a criminal record, restraining orders, or active warrants. Additionally, he completed ATF Form 4473, known as the Firearms Transaction Record, which is used by dealers to assess whether a purchase should be approved, delayed, or denied. Under California state law, buyers must wait 10 days before taking possession of a purchased firearm.