Gunfire disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday evening, prompting a swift evacuation of attendees and the removal of Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump from the stage. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. Eastern time at the Washington Hilton, where the high-profile event was being held. Officials later confirmed that both the president and first lady were unharmed.
Witnesses reported hearing four to five gunshots as an unidentified man rushed toward the dining area. According to accounts from people at the scene, the individual was confronted by security personnel and law enforcement officers, who opened fire. Some witnesses said the man appeared to be armed, though authorities had not immediately confirmed whether he was carrying a weapon. Video from inside the venue showed a person lying on the ground surrounded by officers as guests were instructed to evacuate.
Federal agents, including members of the U.S. Secret Service, quickly secured the area, escorting attendees out of the ballroom and establishing a heavy presence in surrounding hallways. An ambulance arrived shortly afterward, and the suspect was taken into custody. It remained unclear late Saturday whether the individual was wounded or killed. Outside, a presidential motorcade was seen near the hotel as security operations continued.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he planned to address the public shortly and indicated the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days. The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, an annual gathering of journalists, politicians, and public figures, typically features remarks from the sitting president and invited speakers. The event was cut short as authorities worked to assess the situation and ensure the safety of all attendees.READ MORE BELOW