Trump Jokes About WHCD Shooting Suspect’s Speed: “NFL Should Sign Him”

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

WASHINGTON — In the aftermath of an attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, former President Donald Trump drew a sharp line between politics and sports Sunday, joking that the suspect’s sprint toward a security checkpoint resembled an NFL running back and suggesting the league should recruit him.

The remarks came less than 48 hours after Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, allegedly charged a Secret Service checkpoint at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the annual dinner, where Trump was a guest of honor. Allen was arrested and later charged with attempting to assassinate the president, transportation of a firearm, and discharging a weapon during a crime of violence, according to a federal affidavit filed Monday.

The Incident: A Timeline of Seconds

According to the FBI affidavit, Allen had reserved a room at the Washington Hilton on April 6—nearly three weeks before the dinner. Trump had announced his attendance on March 2. Allen traveled by train from California, arriving in Washington on Friday afternoon, April 25.

On Saturday evening, as the dinner was underway inside the hotel’s ballroom, Allen allegedly approached a security checkpoint near the hotel’s Connecticut Avenue entrance. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots shortly after 9:30 p.m. Local time (01:30 UTC). Secret Service agents evacuated Trump and Vice President JD Vance from the venue within minutes. Allen was subdued by law enforcement and taken into custody without further incident.

In a sworn statement, an FBI special agent wrote that Allen had “attempted to assassinate the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump,” calling it “an enumerated crime of terrorism.”

Trump’s Response: From Security to Sports

Speaking to reporters outside his Mar-a-Lago estate on Sunday, Trump described the suspect’s movement with a sports analogy that quickly went viral.

“He was fast—really fast. Ran like an NFL running back. The NFL should sign him. Maybe the Raiders, they need help.”

The comment, delivered with a smile, marked a stark pivot from the gravity of the event. Trump had earlier called the incident “a dark moment for our democracy” but chose to focus on the suspect’s physical ability in his public remarks.

When pressed about the suspect’s motives, Trump shifted tone, telling reporters, “I don’t know what’s in his head. But I know what’s in mine: we need to be safe, and we need to be smart.”

Allen’s Online History: From Gaming to Political Rage

Investigators have since uncovered a trove of social media posts linked to Allen, painting a picture of escalating political animosity. According to a CNN review of archived accounts, Allen operated under the handle “CForce3000” on X (formerly Twitter) and “coldforce.bsky.social” on Bluesky. Both accounts have since been taken offline, but CNN reviewed more than 4,700 archived posts.

The posts, which spanned several years, began with discussions about video games but grew increasingly political. In recent months, Allen shared content comparing Trump to Adolf Hitler and encouraging others critical of the administration to purchase firearms. One post, dated March 12, 2026, read: “The US is ripping itself apart. If you’re not armed, you’re not ready.”

In a message allegedly sent to family members before the attack, Allen signed off with the nickname “coldForce” and outlined a plan to target Trump administration officials. Investigators believe the posts, along with data from seized electronic devices, demonstrate Allen’s long-standing hostility toward Trump and his team.

NFL Reaction: Silence and Sensitivity

The NFL has not commented on Trump’s suggestion that the league should sign Allen. A spokesperson for the league told Archysport on Monday that the organization is “focused on supporting the investigation and ensuring the safety of all attendees at our events.”

Several current and former players, yet, took to social media to express discomfort with the comparison. Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, known for his outspoken views, posted on X: “Nah. Some things ain’t a joke. Even if it’s fast.” The post received over 120,000 likes within hours.

Sports analysts were quick to note the irony of Trump’s remark. “It’s a classic Trump pivot,” said ESPN’s Mina Kimes. “Take a moment of national tension and reframe it through the lens of sports fandom. It’s disarming, and that’s the point.”

Security Fallout: A Scrutiny of Protocols

Allen’s ability to approach the checkpoint with a firearm has raised questions about Secret Service preparedness. The agency has not released a detailed timeline of the incident but confirmed in a statement that “appropriate protocols were followed” and that Trump was “never in immediate danger.”

The Washington Hilton, a frequent host of high-profile events, has faced criticism in the past for its security layout. In 2011, a man scaled a fence and entered the hotel during a state dinner, though no shots were fired. The hotel’s management declined to comment on whether security measures have been updated since the incident.

What’s Next: Legal and Political Ramifications

Allen is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., on May 5 for a detention hearing. Prosecutors have requested that he be held without bond, citing the severity of the charges and the potential for flight. His public defender has not yet filed a response.

On the political front, the incident has reignited debates about security at public events and the tone of political rhetoric. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for a bipartisan review of security protocols for high-profile gatherings, whereas Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged “unity in the face of violence.”

Trump, meanwhile, is expected to resume his campaign schedule later this week, with a rally planned in Pennsylvania on Thursday. His team has not indicated whether his remarks about the suspect will be addressed further.

Key Takeaways

• Suspect’s Background: Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump. His social media history reveals escalating political hostility.
• Trump’s Remarks: The former president joked that Allen’s speed resembled an NFL running back, suggesting the league should recruit him. The comment drew mixed reactions from athletes and analysts.
• Security Concerns: The incident has prompted a review of Secret Service protocols at high-profile events, including the Washington Hilton’s security layout.
• Legal Next Steps: Allen is set to appear in court on May 5 for a detention hearing. Prosecutors are seeking to hold him without bond.
• Political Fallout: The attack has sparked renewed discussions about political rhetoric and security measures for public figures.

How to Follow

For official updates on the case, follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. For verified reporting on the political and security implications, Archysport will continue to provide coverage as the story develops.

What’s your take? Should political figures avoid sports analogies in moments of crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media with #Archysport.