Saturday night at the White House Correspondents Dinner took an unexpected and tense turn right from the start. President Donald Trump was sitting onstage at the Washington Hilton in Washington DC when Secret Service agents suddenly rushed into the ballroom. They quickly escorted the president along with First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance out of the room for safety.
The other folks on stage including Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt were moved out as well. Reports from outlets like CNN and Fox News indicated that shots had been fired inside the hotel. Witnesses described hearing loud bangs and some even mentioned seeing a gunman near the ballroom area. People reacted fast ducking under their tables to take cover amid the confusion.
U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press briefing at the White House, following a shooting incident during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 25, 2026 REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Thankfully all those involved came through unharmed. President Trump and the cabinet members in attendance are safe according to multiple sources.
Soon after the incident the president took to Truth Social to share what happened. He confirmed that the shooter had been apprehended and heaped praise on the Secret Service and law enforcement for their quick and brave response.
It was quite an evening in DC he wrote adding that the agents acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended. He mentioned recommending that the show go on but said he would follow whatever law enforcement advised.
In another post Trump explained that authorities asked them to leave the premises immediately which they did. He planned to hold a press conference from the White House briefing room shortly afterward. Everyone from the first lady to the vice president and all cabinet members was in perfect condition he noted. The dinner event would be rescheduled within the next thirty days.
Back in the ballroom the president of the White House Correspondents Association Weijia Jiang addressed the attendees urging them to stay patient while more information was gathered. She promised updates as soon as possible.
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This is a developing story with more details expected as the investigation continues. Meanwhile guests at the tables had ducked for cover under the tables right after the agents moved in. The dramatic scene played out in front of everyone as agents moved fast to get the leaders to safety.
