Chaos erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington after shots were fired near the main security screening area, forcing President Donald Trump to be rushed off stage as panicked guests reportedly dived under tables.
The dramatic security scare unfolded Saturday night at the Washington Hilton during the black-tie gala attended by top administration officials, journalists and media executives.
According to reports, armed tactical teams moved in as Secret Service agents evacuated Trump from the ballroom while police flooded the scene and helicopters hovered overhead.
A suspect has reportedly been taken into custody. Reacting afterwards, Trump praised law enforcement for responding swiftly.
“Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended,” he said.
He also said the First Lady, Vice President and Cabinet members who were present were safe.
The incident reportedly erupted after the welcome remarks and during dinner, just before Trump was expected to speak, throwing the high-profile event into confusion.
One cabinet official, Mehmet Oz, was quoted during the evacuation saying, “shots fired upstairs,” as security moved guests out. Reports also indicate that one Secret Service agent was struck in protective gear, but no senior officials were injured.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was later postponed despite initial attempts to continue.
The frightening moment has revived memories of previous threats against Trump, including the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, and another armed incident near his Florida golf course.
Adding to the symbolism, the Washington Hilton is also the historic site where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
Saturday’s scare marked a dramatic and unprecedented disruption at the event, often dubbed Washington’s “Nerd Prom,” and has already sparked a massive online reaction.
