“NFL Should Sign Him Up”: Trump Jokes About Gunman’s Speed After WHCD Shooting Scare

President Donald Trump drew criticism over comments he made after joking about the man accused of opening fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He said the suspect was “so fast” that he could play in the NFL.

The U.S. president appeared on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” a day after the incident, which caused panic near the Washington Hilton ballroom. Shots were fired outside the venue, where top officials and media figures had gathered.

The alleged gunman, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, ran past security checkpoints while carrying two guns and knives. Authorities quickly moved in and took him into custody.

Trump described the moment in detail. He said, “His speed was rather incredible, actually.” “He was like a blur,” he added, further saying, “I think the NFL should sign him up. He was fast.”

The president said video footage showed how quickly Allen crossed the area. “When you look at it on tape, it’s almost blur,” Trump, 79, said. He also praised the response from security forces. “They were so professional. They aimed their guns and took him down immediately.”

Allen, a teacher and tutor from Torrance, California, is expected to appear in federal court on Monday. He faces charges including assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a violent crime. Prosecutors say more charges will follow.

Officials revealed that Allen had written a personal manifesto. In it, he called himself “Cole ‘coldForce’ Friendly Federal Assassin’ Allen” and outlined plans to target top administration officials. FBI Director Kash Patel was not listed among his targets.

During the chaos, Patel, who attended the event as a guest, was seen moving through the venue as security worked to secure the area.

Trump also discussed the evacuation process. Vice President JD Vance was seen being escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents. Trump, however, took longer to leave and was on the ground as agents responded.

“It was a little bit me,” Trump admitted. “I wanted to see what was happening, and I wasn’t making it that easy for them,” he said.

He said the situation became clear only moments later. “By that time, we started to realize maybe it was a bad problem,” he said.

The shooting came just hours after the NFL Draft ended, where the final pick had already been announced. Allen, now in custody, faces a very different future as the investigation continues.