President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel after gunshots were heard outside the ballroom on Saturday evening, with Secret Service agents rushing him and other officials to safety.
Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the suspected shooter had been apprehended and that he and his Cabinet were unharmed, adding that he would hold a news conference from the White House shortly.
The incident occurred as guests were seated before the start of the annual media gala, with attendees describing sudden bangs followed by shouts of “Get down!” and a scramble for cover under tables and chairs.
Marcin Wrona, a TVN Poland correspondent seated near the incident, told The Guardian he heard four rapid bangs and initially did not understand what was happening until someone screamed “Shots fired!” prompting everyone to hit the floor.
Wrona noted the irony of the breach occurring in what is supposed to be the most secure location in Washington, D.C., given the presence of the president, Cabinet members, and vice president, though he said he was not surprised given prior attempts on Trump’s life.
Kerry Kennedy, sister of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And a guest of the Boston Globe, recalled on X that Jamie Raskin protected her during the chaos, whispering reassurance while others took notes and sought shelter.
Al Jazeera producer Chris Sheridan reported hearing what he believed to be five gunshots just outside the ballroom doors, saying he could smell gunpowder and immediately dove to the ground.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the shooting took place at a screening area outside the venue and that one individual was in custody, though the condition of those involved remained unknown as law enforcement continued to assess the situation.
Trump praised the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their quick and brave response, stating he had recommended the event continue as planned but would defer to their judgment.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo posted on X expressing relief that Trump and the First Lady were safe, adding that violence should never be the answer.
The atmosphere in the room resembled the immediate aftermath of the July 2024 assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to BBC correspondent Bernd Debusmann Jr., though this event involved hundreds more reporters due to the larger press corps present.
The Washington Hilton, which seats approximately 2,500, remained locked down after the incident, with many attendees standing and using their phones as authorities cleared the area.
Trump said the evening would be “much different than planned” and that attendees would “just, plain, have to do it again,” leaving the final decision on whether to resume the dinner to law enforcement.
Was anyone injured in the shooting?
The condition of those involved in the shooting is not yet known, according to the U.S. Secret Service, which said law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.
Will the White House Correspondents’ Dinner continue as scheduled?
Trump said he recommended the event continue as planned but would defer to law enforcement, who will make a decision shortly on whether to resume the dinner.
How does this incident compare to previous threats against Trump?
This marks another security breach involving Trump, recalling the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Thomas Crooks fired eight shots, killing a bystander and grazing Trump’s ear.
