President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday evening, April 25, 2026, after reports of gunshots rang out near the main ballroom at the Washington Hilton hotel.
Kabul 24: According to CBS News and multiple eyewitness accounts, loud bangs resembling gunfire were heard outside the main hall during the high-profile event. Secret Service agents immediately rushed President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump off the stage and out of the ballroom for safety. Attendees ducked under tables as chaos briefly erupted, with agents shouting commands to “stay down.”Trump later posted on Truth Social, confirming that the shooter had been apprehended by law enforcement.
He praised the rapid response of the Secret Service and police, stating: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job.
They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended.”The president added that he had suggested continuing the dinner but would fully defer to security officials.
The event was ultimately disrupted and canceled following the incident.This marked Trump’s first attendance at the Correspondents’ Dinner in over a decade as sitting president.
The glamorous gathering, traditionally featuring comedy roasts and speeches, was underway when the security breach occurred around 8:30 p.m. ET. Helicopters circled overhead and police swarmed the hotel as the area was secured.No injuries to the president, first lady, or other VIPs have been reported.
Law enforcement officials confirmed a shooter opened fire, though the exact number of shots and the shooter’s motive remain unclear at this stage. Investigations by the Secret Service, FBI, and Washington Metropolitan Police are underway.
The incident has drawn widespread international attention and raised fresh questions about security at major political and media events in the U.S. capital. Hundreds of journalists, celebrities, and political figures were in attendance when the disturbance took place.
As of early Sunday morning, no further details on the suspect’s identity or background have been released. Authorities continue to examine how the individual approached the venue despite heavy security measures in place for the presidential appearance.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is one of Washington’s most anticipated annual events, symbolizing the relationship between the press and the presidency.
