politics
Trump Discusses Gunman's Manifesto in 60 Minutes Interview
President Donald Trump called CBS anchor Norah O'Donnell 'a disgrace' during a 60 Minutes interview after she read from the manifesto of the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooter. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, targeted Trump administration officials in the attack, according to officials. Trump detailed his evacuation and called for the dinner to be rescheduled within 30 days.
Nbc NewsAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Breached a Secret Service checkpoint at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Officials stated that Allen was likely targeting administration officials, based on the manifesto. The document described administration officials as targets.
Described resisting Secret Service agents during the evacuation, saying he wanted to assess the situation. Agents directed him and First Lady Melania Trump to drop to the floor as they exited the ballroom.
“I wasn’t making it that easy for him. I said, ‘Wait a minute. Wait a minute.’”
Trump compared the incident to a prior assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, and praised law enforcement's response.
Trump continued the interview despite the tension. Trump described Allen as radicalized, noting he was previously a Christian believer who became anti-Christian. Allen's sister told authorities he made "radical statements" and was part of the Wide Awakes group.
Trump attributed political violence to "hate speech" from Democrats and stated no country is immune to such acts. He called for rescheduling the dinner within 30 days with tighter security.
“I do think that the hate speech of the Democrats, much more so, is very dangerous. Officials purchased the firearms within the last couple of years. Additional charges may follow. The full manifesto has been made public, and investigations continue into Allen's motives and travels.”
