U.S. President Donald Trump is escorted out as a shooter opens fire during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 25, 2026, in this screen capture from video. REUTERS/Bo Erickson THIS IMAGE WAS PROCESSED BY REUTERS TO ENHANCE QUALITY, AN UNPROCESSED VERSION HAS BEEN PROVIDED SEPARATELY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
(Washington, DC) – A frightening scene unfolded Saturday night at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner when gunfire broke out inside the hotel, triggering an immediate security response and forcing President Donald Trump to be rushed from the event.
The incident happened near a screening checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, where guests had gathered for the high-profile dinner. Within seconds of the disturbance, Secret Service agents moved in, drawing weapons and clearing a path to secure the president and other officials.
Trump was quickly escorted out of the ballroom and later said he was not injured. In a message posted shortly after, he praised law enforcement for acting swiftly and confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody.
Inside the venue, panic spread as attendees heard the commotion. People dropped to the ground, hid under tables, or tried to move toward exits before authorities locked down the building to gain control of the situation.
Dozens of top officials were in attendance, including members of the president’s cabinet and senior staff. Many were escorted out or held in secure areas as law enforcement swept the hotel.
Officials have not yet provided details on any injuries or what led to the shooting.
The situation remains under investigation, with more updates expected.
