Full Breakdown
Trump Confronts 60 Minutes Over Gunman's Manifesto
4/28/2026, 1:27:43 AM
The Shooting and Alleged Manifesto
On Saturday night, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, opened fire near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton. He carried a shotgun, handgun and knives, was arrested after a brief gunfight, and a Secret Service officer was injured. Allen allegedly sent a 1,050-plus-word manifesto to family members. The document calls President Donald Trump a “pedophile, rapist and traitor,” lists “administration officials” as targets (excluding FBI Director Kash Patel), and criticizes security.
60 Minutes Interview: O'Donnell’s Question and Trump’s Reply
The next day, CBS’s “60 Minutes” aired an interview with Trump and correspondent Norah O'Donnell. O'Donnell read the manifesto excerpt accusing a “pedophile, rapist and traitor.” Trump denied the accusations, called himself “totally exonerated,” and called O'Donnell “horrible people” and “a disgrace.” He said he “wasn’t worried” as shots rang out.
Key Players
President Donald Trump, CBS correspondent Norah O'Donnell, suspect Cole Tomas Allen, FBI Director Kash Patel (named as excluded), and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Timeline & Data
- Saturday, April 25: Shots fired; Allen arrested.
- Sunday, April 26: “60 Minutes” interview airs.
- Monday, April 27: Allen scheduled for arraignment.
Allen, 31, was armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives; a Secret Service officer was injured. The manifesto runs about 1,050 words and prioritizes officials by rank, omitting Patel.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump denied being a rapist or pedophile, asserted his exoneration, and labeled the press “horrible people.” O'Donnell said she was quoting the shooter’s words, not making accusations. Acting Attorney General Blanche said investigators believe the suspect targeted administration officials. The White House and CBS did not immediately comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Media analysts called Trump’s attacks on O'Donnell part of a broader pattern of hostility toward journalists. Critics argued his deflection shifted focus from security lapses highlighted in the manifesto.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the manifesto’s length (1,052 vs. 1,100 words) and emphasis—some stress anti-Christian rhetoric, others the “pedophile” accusation. Allen’s background is described as a “teacher of the year” award winner or simply a 31-year-old suspect. The full list of targeted officials remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would, because you’re horrible people. Horrible people. Yeah, he did write that. I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody.” — Donald Trump, President
- “Yeah, he did write that. I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody.” — Donald Trump, President
- “I’m not a pedophile. You read that c--- from some sick person. I got associated with stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated,” — Donald Trump, President
- “The so-called manifesto is a stunning thing to read, Mr. President,” — Norah O'Donnell, 60 Minutes correspondent
What’s Next
The White House urged the WHCA to reschedule the dinner within 30 days, and federal prosecutors will continue reviewing Allen’s writings ahead of his arraignment.
