Scary situation at the White House Correspondents Dinner this evening, but here is what we know right now.
Shortly after 8:30 p.m. ET, attendees reported hearing loud bangs—believed to be 5 to 8 gunshots—inside the Washington Hilton, where the annual dinner was being held. A gunman reportedly armed with a shotgun was subdued by the Secret Service in the hotel lobby.
Chaos ensued in the banquet hall as Secret Service and other law enforcement swarmed the area with guns drawn, screaming at attendees to “get down.” President Trump and the First Lady, Melania, were promptly evacuated while hundreds of journalists, politicians, and celebrities ducked under tables or fled the ballroom.
Other top government officials including Vice President JD Vance, were immediately evacuated from the venue as well.
Authorities have not reported any injuries among the attendees, however the alleged gunman was reportedly shot by Secret Service, although it seems as though he may have been wearing body armor. No injuries have been reported. According to White House pool reporters, Secret Service agents communicated over radio that an “alleged shooter is in custody.”
Following the initial evacuation of high-level officials, National Guard members and police secured the building. Most attendees were temporarily locked down inside the ballroom while authorities assessed the threat.
Streets surrounding the Washington Hilton and the nearby Renwick Museum have been blocked off with police tape as law enforcement continues to secure the area.
President Trump posted the following to Truth Social:
“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, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.
They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
He added:
“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room.
The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour.
I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Per Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Trump will deliver an address from the White House:
Stay tuned for more updates.
