‘The NFL should sign him up’: Trump amazed at speed of WHCD shooter who blurred past security

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said he was struck by how fast the shooter moved during the attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

In an interview with 60 Minutes, Trump commented on the speed of the suspect as captured on security footage from the Hilton in Washington, D.C., where the annual event was being held.

“I think the NFL should sign him up,” Trump said on Sunday. “He was fast.”

The remark came after correspondent Norah O’Donnell asked how the gunman managed to “get that close” to the venue. Footage showed the suspect sprinting past a metal detector and multiple security personnel in a dash toward the event space.

Trump defended law enforcement and venue security, arguing that stopping someone determined to make a sudden move is easier said than done.

“I’m a big fan of the people of law enforcement, and some of these people — they may be crazy, but they are not stupid, and they figure things out,” Trump said. “He ran 45 yards, they say. He just went to it and then boom, popped through.”

He added that the speed was striking even in hindsight, “When you look at it on tape, it’s almost like a blur. But it was amazing, because as soon as they saw that, you could see them draw their guns. They were so professional.”

Suspect’s background and Trump’s reaction

Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old who allegedly referenced conspiracy theories involving Trump and Jeffrey Epstein in a manifesto.

Trump described Allen as “probably a pretty sick guy,” adding that the writings suggested he had been radicalized and held “anti-Christian” beliefs.

The President also said Allen’s siblings had previously raised concerns with police, describing him as a potential threat.

Those remarks mirrored what Trump said during a late-night press conference on Saturday.

“The man has been captured, they’re going to his apartment, I guess he lives in California,” Trump said. “He’s a sick person, a very sick person.”

Trump also took to Truth Social, posting two images of Allen pinned face down on the lobby carpet shortly before addressing the press from the White House.

Security response and aftermath

During his press conference, Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement response, calling it a “great job” in bringing the situation under control.

He noted that one officer had been fired upon at close range but avoided serious injury. “He was wearing obviously a very good bulletproof vest.”

Trump said he personally checked in on the officer afterward. “I just spoke to the officer, and he’s doing great, he’s in great shape,” the President said. “He has very high spirits, and we told him we love him and respect him.”

In a rare moment, Trump also lauded media coverage around the incident, saying it had been “responsible,” and credited the first lady for remaining composed during what he described as a “traumatic experience.”

Trump said he “fought like hell” to keep the dinner going that night but ultimately deferred to protocol, which forced the event’s cancellation. He added that he hopes to reschedule the gathering within a month.

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators are working to determine whether Allen acted alone or if others may have been involved. The investigation continues.