Donald Trump has described the moment shots rang out at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, saying he was not worried and that his curiosity may have slowed Secret Service efforts to rush him to safety.
In a testy interview with CBS's Norah O'Donnell on 60 Minutes, the US president said he heard gunshots but did not feel alarmed. 'I wasn't worried,' he said. 'I understand life. We live in a crazy world.' He recounted how Secret Service officers told him and the first lady to hit the floor.
The exchange turned frosty when O'Donnell read portions of the suspected gunman's alleged manifesto, which referred to Trump as a 'rapist' and 'pedophile'. Trump called her a 'disgrace' and the media 'horrible people', but continued the interview. He argued that such material should not be read on air.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was armed with knives, a shotgun and a handgun. Acting US attorney general Todd Blanche said the attack appeared politically motivated and may have targeted other administration officials. Allen had allegedly sent a 1,100-word screed to family members.
Despite his criticism of the press, Trump urged the White House Correspondents' Association to reschedule the dinner within 30 days, saying a 'crazy person' should not be allowed to cancel the event.
