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"I am not a rapist": Trump erupts in interview as media dinner shooting fallout deepens
The WHCA dinner shooting near Washington Hilton prompted a televised interview in which President Trump denied the suspect's manifesto allegations and attacked the media. The incident raised questions about security at high-profile political events and sparked a polarized public response as officials worked to recap the sequence of events.
Why It Matters
The episode tests presidential security at major public events and highlights tensions between the White House and the press, while intensifying scrutiny of how a circulating manifesto is reported.
Timeline
8 Events
Security vulnerabilities and media reaction analyzed
April 27, 2026
Discussion continued about security at the Washington Hilton, with officials defending the Secret Service’s actions but critics highlighting gaps and considering potential procedural changes for future events.
WHCA dinner tradition and security concerns discussed
April 27, 2026
Trump indicated he did not want the WHCA dinner tradition disrupted and urged organizers to reschedule if necessary; canceling the event, he suggested, would empower political violence.
Trump remarks on the media and security response
April 27, 2026
Trump praised the Secret Service response as brave and skillful, while criticizing coverage of the incident and the suspect's writings on national television.
Trump denies allegations and attacks the media during the interview
April 27, 2026
During the interview, Trump asserted that he is not a rapist and said he did not rape anybody, forcefully rejecting the allegations in the manifesto. He described O'Donnell as a disgrace and accused journalists of amplifying the words of a sick person.
60 Minutes interview aired with Norah O'Donnell
April 27, 2026
Less than 24 hours after the security incident, CBS's 60 Minutes featured Norah O'Donnell reading excerpts from the alleged manifesto and questioning the president about the contents.
Manifesto circulated prior to attack
April 26, 2026
Investigators said the suspect circulated a rambling manifesto shortly before the attack, expressing anger at the federal government and outlining a plan to target high-ranking officials.
Suspect identified and named by authorities
April 26, 2026
Authorities identified the suspect as a 31-year-old male named Cole Tomas Allen.
Security scare at WHCA dinner: armed suspect breaches perimeter at Washington Hilton
April 26, 2026
A security scare occurred when an armed individual attempted to breach the WHCA dinner security perimeter at the Washington Hilton. Secret Service agents intercepted the threat; one officer was injured. President Trump and other senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, were evacuated from the area.