President Donald Trump praised the athletic ability of Cole Tomas Allen, the man who charged through White House Correspondents’ Dinner security with firearms and knives, suggesting the NFL should recruit him for his exceptional speed.
President Analyzes Attack Like Sports Scout
Speaking with CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell on 60 Minutes, Trump evaluated the April 28 incident at the Washington Hilton with unexpected commentary. The president focused on Allen’s physical performance rather than the security threat. “His speed was rather incredible, actually,” Trump told O’Donnell, describing surveillance footage showing Allen covering 45 yards after breaking through magnetometers. “I think the NFL should sign him up. He was fast.”
Trump recalled watching security camera recordings of the breach, saying Allen appeared as a blur moving through the checkpoint. The suspect carried two firearms and multiple knives before law enforcement subdued him. “He ran like—I think the NFL should sign him up,” Trump repeated, measuring the dash in football terms despite the gravity of the attempted attack.
Tactical Response Earns Presidential Praise
The president shifted his analysis to commend the agents who neutralized Allen. “When you look at it on tape, it’s almost like a blur,” Trump explained. “But it was amazing ’cause as soon as they saw that you could see them draw their guns. They were so professional. Aimed their guns, and then they took him down immediately.” The swift response prevented what could have escalated into a deadly situation at the high-profile media event.
Federal Charges Mount Against Suspect
Allen faces arraignment in federal court on preliminary charges including assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated prosecutors will likely expand the criminal case. Investigators discovered a manifesto in which Allen identified himself as “Cole ‘coldForce’ ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’ Allen” and outlined plans targeting top government officials. The document revealed premeditation and specific intentions to harm leadership figures at the Washington event.