‘I'm not a pedophile...’ Trump clashes with interviewer over shooter’s manifesto references

Washington: US President Donald Trump reacted sharply when questioned about references made to him in a manifesto allegedly shared by the gunman involved in the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night.

During an interview with CBS' 60 Minutes, Trump was asked about portions of the manifesto that reportedly mentioned him. The exchange turned tense as the president accused the interviewer of amplifying the words of a disturbed individual.

"I was waiting for you to read that, because I knew you would, because you're horrible people," Trump said.

Also read | Accused gunman at correspondents' dinner was believed to be targeting top officials: Blanche

"Yeah, he did write that, I'm not a rapist. I read the manifesto. You know, he's a sick person. You shouldn't be reading that on 60 Minutes, you're a disgrace, but go ahead, let's finish the interview," the president said.

When the interviewer followed up by asking whether he believed the shooter was referring specifically to him, Trump responded: "I'm not a pedophile...You read that crap from some sick person? I got associated with all stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated."

The interview came after Secret Service agents evacuated Trump from the White House Correspondents' dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel after gunfire erupted one floor above the ballroom where the annual event was being held.

Also read | Erika Kirk breaks down as gunfire halts Trump’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner | VIDEO

Trump said he was not alarmed by the situation and was more curious about what was unfolding.

"I wasn't worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world," he said.

The president also said he initially resisted being rushed away by security personnel.

"I wanted to see what was happening. I wasn't making it that easy for them. I wanted to see what was going on," Trump said.

Recalling the evacuation, he added, "I started walking. And they said, 'Please go down, please go down on the floor.' So I went down, and the first lady went down also."

Trump later urged organisers to reschedule the White House Correspondents' Association dinner within the next 30 days, saying the event should not be cancelled because of the attack.