During a CBS “60 Minutes” interview, President Trump reacted angrily to a question about the shooter’s claims and defended his administration’s security measures.
Trump on Secret Service Performance
President Trump stated the Secret Service agents “did a fantastic job” during Saturday’s gala at the Washington Hilton hotel, despite criticisms of security levels.
He acknowledged the shooter, Cole Allen, noted “crazy incompetence” of the Secret Service in his manifesto, but dismissed the criticism, saying the shooter was “incompetent” himself for being apprehended “pretty easily.”
Call for Re-staging the Gala
Trump urged interviewer Nora O’Donnell to ask gala organizers to reschedule the event within a month, anticipating improved security measures.
Outrage Over Journalist’s Question on Allegations
President Trump expressed strong indignation when O’Donnell asked him to comment on the shooter’s manifesto, which accused him of being a “pedophile, rapist, and traitor.”
“Well, I was waiting for you to read that, because I knew you would,” Trump responded. “Because you’re terrible people. Terrible people. Yes, he did write that. I am not a rapist. I have not raped anybody.”
Dismissing the Accusations
Trump vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “the fantasies of a sick person” and claiming he had been “totally exonerated.” He accused the journalist of aligning with those involved in the Epstein affair.
“You should be ashamed of reading that, because I am not any of those people. You shouldn’t be reading it on television. You’re bringing shame,” he stated.
Explanation for Fall During Evacuation
Trump explained that he slowed down the evacuation process to observe what was happening, and that Secret Service agents advised him and his wife, Melania, to lie on the ground.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Association gala at the Hilton hotel in Washington on Saturday, April 25th. President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other cabinet members were evacuated.
Suspect Identified
The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was armed with a shotgun, pistol, and knives, and opened fire towards security personnel who then apprehended him before he could reach the event attendees.
