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A shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night caused panic as US President Donald Trump was rushed off stage, and security teams swiftly intervened. The gunman was detained just outside the ballroom, where hundreds of guests had gathered at the Washington Hilton Hotel for the annual black-tie event.
Trump, who was scheduled to speak at the dinner, took to social media to praise law enforcement’s efforts. He reassured the public that the First Lady, Vice President, and Cabinet members were unharmed and that he would hold a press conference shortly at the White House.
The chaos began shortly after the welcoming speech and before Trump was set to speak. Guests, including Trump administration officials, were evacuated, with some diving under tables to take cover.
“Shots fired upstairs,” confirmed Cabinet official Mehmet Oz as he was rushed out by security. Tactical teams with guns drawn were seen positioning themselves on stage, where Trump had been seated moments before the evacuation.
The Secret Service confirmed that one suspect was in custody, and the incident occurred near the main security screening area. The police swarmed the hotel, while helicopters hovered overhead, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Despite the incident, organisers initially announced the dinner would continue, but later revealed it had been postponed.
This was Trump’s first appearance at the event since taking office. Known as “Nerd Prom,” the dinner raises funds for scholarships and awards and usually features a comedian joking about the president. However, no comedian was booked this year due to Trump’s ongoing tensions with the media.
This shooting incident comes after a series of threats against Trump, including an assassination attempt during a 2024 rally in Pennsylvania and another security scare at his West Palm Beach golf course.
The Washington Hilton was also the site of President Ronald Reagan’s 1981 shooting.
