© Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
President Trump was impressed with the speed of Cole Allen, the suspected shooter at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
On Saturday night, Allen is accused of running past a Secret Service security checkpoint and firing several shots directed at the ballroom hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with President Trump in attendance.
According to reports, White House officials believe Allen was targeting Trump administration officials.
Via NPR
A White House official told NPR that Allen sent his family members what the White House is calling a manifesto minutes before the incident at the Hilton hotel. The document states that Allen wanted to target administration officials, the White House said. The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said Allen’s brother notified the police of the document. NPR has not seen any of the writings independently.
Videos of the incident show Allen running past security at incredible speed.
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump releases CCTV footage of the alleged shooter at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. pic.twitter.com/EoP0HYMPGr
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 26, 2026
While speaking to 60 Minutes about the shooting, Trump said he was impressed by Allen’s speed and that an NFL team should consider signing him.
“His speed was rather incredible, it was like a blur…I think the NFL should sign him up. He was fast.”
Trump on suspected WHCA gunman Cole Allen: “I think the NFL should sign him up. He was fast.” pic.twitter.com/N9q3m5ygxs
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 26, 2026