Trump is safe following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner; the suspect is in custody.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were swiftly evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner by Secret Service agents on Saturday night following an attempted security breach by an armed individual wielding a shotgun, according to officials.
An armed individual discharged a firearm at a Secret Service agent, an FBI official said Reuters. The official stated that the agent was struck in a region shielded by protective equipment and sustained no injuries.
Additional members of the Trump administration were also hastily evacuated from the room by Secret Service officials.
All government officials, including Trump, were secure. Approximately one hour after Trump was swiftly removed from the gathering, he announced on Truth Social that a “shooter had been apprehended.”Trump remarked, “It was quite an evening in D.C. The Secret Service and Law Enforcement performed exceptionally well.”Descend, descend!
Subsequently, he stated, “The First Lady, along with the Vice President and all Cabinet members, are in optimal health.” He announced that he would do a White House press conference on Saturday evening.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, stated that the agency was probing a shooting incident near the primary screening area at the event’s entrance.
Following the gunfire, dinner guests abruptly ceased conversation, and individuals began to shout, “Get down, get down!” A significant number of the 2,600 attendees sought refuge as waitstaff hurried to the front of the dining hall.
Security personnel forcibly subdued cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Additional security personnel in battle fatigues breached the stage and removed Trump and his spouse. A contingent of security personnel assumed positions on the stage, directing their weapons at the ballroom. Cabinet members were subsequently evacuated from the venue individually.
Trump and the First Lady crouched behind the dais before being escorted away by Secret Service agents. A source informed Reuters that Trump remained backstage for around one hour. “We are remaining,” he was overheard stating, according to the source.
The event was ultimately cancelled for the evening. Trump expressed on social media his desire for a rescheduling in 30 days.
Saturday marked Trump’s inaugural attendance at the correspondents’ dinner in his capacity as president.
He experienced two assassination attempts in 2024, following his departure from the White House in 2021 and during his reelection campaign.
The most significant incident transpired during Trump’s campaign at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. Trump sustained a gunshot wound to his upper ear inflicted by a 20-year-old assailant. The assailant was fatally shot by security forces.
Shortly after the Butler shooting, Secret Service officials observed suspected individual brandishing a firearm and concealing himself in foliage at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, while Trump was on the course. The incident was classified as an assassination attempt, and the perpetrator received a life sentence in February.
The Washington Hilton, the venue for Saturday’s dinner, was the location of an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, who was shot and injured by an assailant outside the hotel in 1981.
THE ASSAULT
Participants of the dinner sought refuge beneath tables amidst a backdrop of extensive disarray during the incident.
Trump, positioned on a stage at the forefront of the ballroom alongside First Lady Melania Trump, was swiftly encircled by U.S. Secret Service agents, while numerous spectators sought refuge beneath their tables.
Footage of the event depicts the president being escorted from the stage moments later, while armed guards clad in tactical gear and wielding big guns emerged on the platform.
Several prominent figures from the Trump administration attended the event, including Vice President JD Vance, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
“I understand that everyone will desire extensive details, but at present, we lack that information,” she stated from the podium.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for Washington, stated in a social media post that the Secret Service “is now in charge of” the building subsequent to the incident.
A shooter has been apprehended, as reported by members of the White House press pool accompanying President Trump.
Trump urged the event to proceed and stated that the shooter has been apprehended.I have suggested that we “ALLOW THE SHOW TO CONTINUE,” but I will be fully led by Law Enforcement.Irrespective of that decision, the evening will significantly deviate from the original plan, and we will just have to repeat it,” he stated.
A security official at the event, knowledgeable about the rapidly evolving circumstances, reported that seven to eight gunshots were discharged.
Conflicting claims emerged regarding whether the alleged gunman was deceased or apprehended.
CRITICAL ENQUIRIES REGARDING SECURITY
Significant enquiries persist on this shooting occurrence; yet, its immediate aftermath has already elicited apprehensions about the security measures for the White House Correspondents Dinner.
The event at the Washington Hilton is typically attended by the president, numerous Cabinet secretaries, and other top administration officials, along with hundreds of journalists.
Attendees must undergo airport-style security screening to access the main ballroom for the meal. Security is also present outside the hotel.
In principle, the event should be as secure as feasible in Washington. No analogous occurrences have occurred at previous White House Correspondents’ Dinners. However, the occurrence tonight will undoubtedly highlight security concerns at this event in the future.
TRUMP WILL ADDRESS THE PUBLIC SOON FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
President Donald Trump is anticipated to address the public imminently from the White House briefing room, following the discharge of gunfire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton.
Reporters are assembling in the room, still attired in their tuxedos and formal garments from the dinner, to attend the briefing.
We will provide ongoing updates here, and you may view the live stream at the top of this page.
Trump states that a Secret Service agent was shot.
During a press conference, Trump stated that a Secret Service officer was shot at close range during the incident but was protected by his bulletproof vest.”I just conversed with the officer, and he is doing exceptionally well,” Trump states. “He possesses an elevated disposition, and we expressed our affection and esteem for him, as he is a notably proud individual.”