US President Donald Trump spoke to 60 Minutes after a shooting disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He strongly rejected all allegations mentioned in a manifesto written by the suspect.

The attack caused panic at the event. Secret Service agents rushed Trump out of the ballroom after gunshots rang out.

Trump Rejects Claims in Manifesto

During the interview, journalist Norah O'Donnell read a line from the suspect’s manifesto: “I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.”

Trump reacted immediately. He denied the accusations and criticised the media.

“Well, I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would,” Trump said. “Yeah, he did write that. I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody.”

O’Donnell asked if the suspect referred to him. Trump again rejected the idea.

“I’m not a pedophile. Excuse me. Excuse me. I’m not a pedophile. You read that crap from some sick person? I got associated with all stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated.”

Trump Describes the Chaos

Trump said he did not want to leave immediately when the shooting started.

“I wasn’t making it that easy for them,” he said about the agents. “I wanted to see what was happening… I asked them to wait a minute.”

He praised law enforcement for acting quickly. He said the suspect moved like a “blur.” He called him a “pretty sick guy.” He also said the attacker had turned into an “anti-Christian” extremist.

Tensions Between White House and CBS

The interview came at a time of tension between the White House and CBS. Trump had filed a $20 billion lawsuit against the network. The case involved editing of a 2024 interview with Kamala Harris. CBS later settled the case.

Journalist Scott Pelley criticised the settlement. He called it a “crumbling” under political pressure.

Suspect’s Background

Authorities identified the attacker as Cole Tomas Allen. He is 31 and from Torrance, California. Police arrested him on April 25 at the Washington Hilton. He tried to enter the ballroom where Trump attended the dinner.

Allen had a strong academic record. He graduated from California Institute of Technology in 2017 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned a Master’s in Computer Science from California State University Dominguez Hills in 2025.

He worked as a part-time tutor at C2 Education. He received “Teacher of the Month” in December 2024. He also described himself as a video game developer and mechanical engineer.

Radicalisation Before the Attack

Investigators said Allen’s behaviour changed before the attack. They said he became more extreme. He sent a manifesto to his family. He expressed “anti-Christian” views. He spoke about fixing problems in the world through violent ideas.

He called himself the “Friendly Federal Assassin.” He created a list of targets. He placed members of Trump’s administration at the top. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Trump described him as a “lone wolf.” They said he acted alone.

How He Carried Out the Attack

Allen checked in as a guest at the hotel. This helped him bypass early security layers. He carried multiple weapons. These included a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber handgun, and several knives.

He ran about 45 yards before officers stopped him.

Charges Filed

Authorities filed serious federal charges against him. These include assault on a federal officer and firing a weapon during a violent crime. He did not suffer gunshot injuries. However, he injured his knee while officers restrained him. He later received medical treatment.