A video circulating on social media shows Erika Kirk being escorted out of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night, April 25, 2026. The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton, where Donald Trump and other senior officials were in attendance. In the footage, Kirk appears visibly shaken as security personnel rush her through crowded hallways, with her repeatedly saying, “I want to go.”
The widely shared video shows Kirk in tears as she is guided away from the ballroom following reports of suspected gunshots or loud bangs inside the venue. The situation triggered a rapid evacuation of attendees, including the president, Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other dignitaries. Security teams, including Secret Service agents, moved quickly to clear the area as guests took cover.
Authorities said a suspect was taken into custody near a security checkpoint outside the ballroom after the disturbance. Officials later confirmed that no injuries were reported among attendees or protected individuals. The annual black-tie event was abruptly halted as law enforcement secured the scene and began investigating the incident.
Kirk, who became chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA following the 2025 death of her husband Charlie Kirk, has faced increased security concerns in recent months. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and frightening, and the incident has since drawn widespread attention online, highlighting the emotional impact of high-profile security threats on public figures.WATCH VIDEO BELOW
🚨#BREAKING: Watch as new video shows Erica Kirk in tears, heard saying “I want to go,” as she is escorted out by security from the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where she was seated near Donald Trump and others when the major security incident unfolded. pic.twitter.com/ptyjiqjwZW
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 26, 2026