‘I’m Not a P******’: Trump Slams Gunman’s Allegations, Says King Charles Visit On Track
Trump denied allegations from his would-be attacker in a tense “60 Minutes” interview, clashing with the host and calling the suspect a “sick lone wolf.”
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US President Donald Trump denied allegations made by the man accused of attempting to assassinate him.
During a tense interview on 60 Minutes, clashing repeatedly with host Norah O’Donnell, Trump described the attack as the work of a “sick” individual and rejected claims outlined in what investigators described as a manifesto.
Speaking on CBS News, Trump recounted the moment security personnel rushed to evacuate him during the incident, suggesting he initially resisted their urgency.
“Well, what happened is – it was a little bit me. I wanted to see what was happening, and I wasn’t making it that easy for ‘em,” Trump said. “I wanted to see what was going on.”
He added that he urged agents to slow down: “I said, ‘Wait a minute, wait a minute. Lemme see. Wait a minute.’”
According to Trump, he only complied after agents insisted.
“They said, ‘Please go down. Please go down on the floor.’ So I went down and the first lady went down also,” he said.
Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the suspect, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, including communications sent to family members.
He characterized the attacker as mentally unstable but intelligent.
“You have sick people. And you have to mitigate the risk,” Trump said. “Some of these… they’re very sick, but they’re also in some cases very, very smart.”
Iran on Sunday executed a man convicted of membership in the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl and involvement in attacks on security forces in the southeast.
Heated exchange over “manifesto”
Tensions escalated when O’Donnell cited passages from the suspect’s alleged manifesto, including accusations directed at administration officials.
“Administration officials, they are targets.” And he also wrote this, “I am no longer willing to permit a pe***hile, r**ist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.” What’s your reaction to that?” the host said.
Trump reacted sharply:
“Well, I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would… you’re horrible people. I’m not a r**ist. I didn’t rape anybody.”
He continued: “I’m not a pe***hile… You read that crap from some sick person?”
Trump also accused the interviewer of inappropriate conduct.
“You should be ashamed of yourself reading that,” he said. “You’re a disgrace. But go ahead. Let’s finish the interview.”
O’Donnell responded that she was quoting the gunman’s own words.
King Charles visit “going forward”
Trump also addressed security concerns and the upcoming visit of the British monarch, King Charles III, saying the situation remains under control.
“The White House grounds are really safe. This area of not very many acres – it’s really safe. And he’ll be staying here,” Trump said. “Now, I believe he’s going to a couple of other locations, because he’s here for a few days, and he’s a great guy.”
Trump added that the visit would proceed as planned, noting: “They called, and they are so looking forward to being here. We spoke this morning.”
When asked by O’Donnell whether the visit was still going forward, Trump confirmed: “Yeah. No, he’s a good – he’s a good person.”
Notably, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III’s upcoming trip to the US will go ahead as planned.
“Following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day, and acting on advice of Government, we can confirm the State Visit by Their Majesties will proceed as planned,” a palace spokesperson said on Sunday.
“The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the Visit getting underway tomorrow,” the spokesperson added.
The official itinerary for King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s six-day visit was released earlier this month. The trip begins on Monday in Washington, D.C., before continuing to New York City and Virginia.
A UK government source told The Hill that security arrangements for the visit remain under review, but the schedule has not changed.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions between London and Washington. In recent weeks, Trump has stepped up criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over London’s position on US-Israeli operations in Iran and its reluctance to support efforts related to control of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Sick lone wolf”
Trump maintained that the attack appeared to be carried out by a single individual and rejected broader security concerns.
“No, no, no. This was a lone wolf, in my opinion. No, but we may find out something else,” he said. “This was a sick lone wolf. He’s a sicko and a very disturbed person.”
O’Donnell also asked whether US authorities, including the Secret Service or the FBI, had indicated any additional threats to Trump or other administration officials. Trump responded that there was no such indication.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, opened fire on a United States Secret Service agent at a checkpoint near the ballroom. The agent was hit in a bulletproof vest and was not seriously injured.
Allen, reportedly a guest at the Hilton hotel, was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives. He was detained at the scene and taken to Howard University Hospital. Authorities believe he acted alone.
Trump later praised the Secret Service response as “fantastic,” calling the attacker a “sick person,” and said the event would be rescheduled.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Allen faces multiple charges, including assault on a federal officer and use of a firearm during a violent crime. His first court appearance is set for April 27.
Officials said the checkpoint prevented the suspect from reaching the ballroom, where about 2,600 guests were gathered.
The incident marks the most serious known threat to Trump since returning to office, following earlier assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign, including a shooting in Pennsylvania and an armed incident in Florida.
