US3 min(s) read
Published 08:57 27 Apr 2026 GMT
Donald Trump has explained why he remained seated after the "assassination attempt" at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton on Saturday (April 25), when a gunman charged a security checkpoint and opened fire.
Attendees dove under tables as Secret Service agents rushed the 79-year-old president, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, as well as other top administration officials, to safety.
Secret Service agents exchanged fire with the suspect before bringing him down, with one agent struck in a bulletproof vest and expected to recover. No other injuries were reported.
As investigators piece together what they say could have been a far deadlier attack, the president has now explained why he remained seated after gunfire erupted.
Speaking with CBS correspondent Norah O’Donnell on 60 Minutes, Trump said his hesitation came down to curiosity.
"I wanted to see what was happening," he explained. "I wasn’t making it that easy for them. I wanted to see what was going on. And by that time we started to realize maybe it was a bad problem, different kind of problem, a bad one, and different than what would be normal noise from a ballroom."
He remarked that he was "surrounded by great people," adding: "And I probably made them act a little more slowly. I said, 'Wait a minute, wait a minute.'"
But despite the chaos, Trump said he was not "worried."
"I understand life. We live in a crazy world," he added.
Federal investigators identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, who authorities say allegedly charged the checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun, and several knives, per The Guardian.
According to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, investigators believe Allen traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where he checked into the Washington Hilton days before the dinner, per NBC News.
Authorities say evidence recovered from Allen’s electronic devices and writings suggests he intended to target administration officials attending the gala.
"It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president," Blanche told NBC’s Meet the Press.
He also disclosed that Allen is not cooperating with investigators. "He failed," Blanche said. "Law enforcement did their jobs."
Allen faces two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, with officials warning more charges could follow.
If convicted, he could face 20 years in prison for the assault charge, while the weapons counts carry a minimum ten years and could lead to life behind bars if fired.
Officials said Allen had no prior criminal record and was not previously known to law enforcement in Washington.
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