US President Donald Trump rejects ‘paedophile’ claim in gunman’s manifesto, calls him ‘pretty sick guy’
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Trump addressed the allegations saying, “He did write that. I am not a rapist. I did not rape anybody. I am not a paedophile. You read that crap from some sick person.”
He also described the accused, Cole Tomas Allen, as “radicalised”, “anti-Christian” and a “pretty sick guy.” Allen, armed with multiple guns and knives, tried to breach a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night and fired several rounds before being subdued inside the hotel complex.
What the manifesto says
The manifesto, now a key part of the investigation, outlines a planned attack targeting US government officials. According to reports, the 31-year-old suspect detailed how he intended to carry out the assault, while also claiming he wanted to minimise casualties.
Investigators say the document is being closely analysed to understand both motive and planning, and to determine whether any warning signs were missed ahead of the incident.
In the text, Allen wrote: “I am no longer willing to permit a paedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.” While he did not explicitly name Trump, officials say the broader target appeared to be members of the administration.
He also criticised governance and leadership, writing, “Like, this level of incompetence is insane, and I very sincerely hope it’s corrected by the time this country gets actually competent leadership again.”
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Reports suggest the suspect listed “Administration officials” as targets, without naming individuals directly. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that the plan included an attempt to ‘assassinate’ Trump and harm other senior officials.
The manifesto also included observations about security arrangements at the venue. The attacker claimed he was able to enter with multiple weapons without raising suspicion, alleging that security personnel were focused on crowd control and protest monitoring at the time.
Allen, who has been taken into custody, is expected to face multiple federal charges as the investigation continues. Authorities are examining his communications, background and the manifesto to build a clearer picture of intent and execution.
Donald Trump’s Epstein links
It is worth noting that Donald Trump has previously been linked to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile who died by suicide in jail in 2019. Trump was mentioned in the so-called ‘Epstein files’ as having been a guest. However, he has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly said he had “nothing to do with” Epstein.