A widely circulated image purporting to show White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting suspect Cole Allen wearing an IDF shirt has been determined to be fake, with investigators concluding the picture was generated using artificial intelligence and bears signs of digital manipulation.

The image spread rapidly online following the Saturday night shooting and was cited by various conspiracy claims attempting to tie Israel, Zionists, and Jews to the attempted assassination of President Trump, despite no evidence supporting such connections.

Experts reviewing the image identified multiple irregularities consistent with AI editing, including noticeable alterations to Allen’s facial features. These included changes to the placement of moles and a reshaping of his ear, as well as distortions in the appearance of his fingers.

Authorities investigating the attack have also reviewed Allen’s online activity, which reportedly included posts on Bluesky expressing opposition to Trump and his administration, along with calls for his removal from office. In a lengthy, 100-page manifesto explaining his actions, Allen criticized President Trump over the Iran conflict, referencing “children blown up,” a position that contradicts claims portraying him as aligned with Zionist causes.

Allen, who has been described as a trained mechanical engineer and worked as a tutor, was apprehended by law enforcement after gunfire erupted inside the Washington Hilton, where President Trump, members of his Cabinet, and thousands of journalists had gathered for the annual event.

He appeared in federal court on Monday for the first time to answer to several serious charges, including attempting to assassinate the president.

The 31-year-old Torrance, California resident is facing three felony counts: attempted assassination of the President of the United States, transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and using a firearm during a violent crime.

If found guilty of the attempted assassination charge, Allen could be sentenced to life in prison.

During the hearing, he did not enter a plea.