President Trump Evacuated from White House Correspondents’ Dinner After Shots Fired; Event Rescheduled

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night after shots were reportedly fired at the Washington Hilton ballroom. The incident prompted immediate action from security personnel, leading to the couple being rushed off stage.

Incident Details

During a press briefing following the evacuation, Trump stated that the suspect was “armed with multiple weapons” and had charged through a security checkpoint. A video of the incident was later shared on his Truth Social page. Trump confirmed that an officer was shot but credited the officer’s survival to a “very good bulletproof vest.”

The president indicated that the dinner would be rescheduled, emphasizing, “I fought like hell to stay, but it was protocol.” He announced that he and Melania were safe and that the event would be rescheduled within the next 30 days, as law enforcement requested attendees to exit the premises.

Law Enforcement Response

Trump communicated via Truth Social that law enforcement had requested their immediate departure, stating, “I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room.” He reassured the public that the First Lady, Vice President, and all Cabinet members were in “perfect condition.”

The couple was seated on stage with the head of the White House Correspondents Association when the loud sounds were heard, leading to their removal from the dinner. The exact nature of the sounds that prompted the evacuation was not immediately clear.

Aftermath and Statements

Following the evacuation, Trump expressed gratitude towards the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift actions. He stated, “The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.” He acknowledged that the evening would be significantly altered and suggested that they would have to “do it again.”

A source confirmed to CNN that Trump was safe and that a shooter was in custody, although the condition of the suspect remains unknown. A White House official reiterated that Trump still plans to deliver his speech, though the timing is uncertain.

Event Resumption

Reports indicate that the program will resume, as detailed by MS Now and C-SPAN. This marked Trump’s first attendance at the event since 2011. Despite the chaos, the room, filled with journalists, politicians, and celebrities, was not fully evacuated after the incident. Initial concerns appeared to dissipate as security swept the ballroom, allowing guests to converse while awaiting further instructions.

Witnesses described a scene of panic, with some attendees huddling under tables when the shots rang out. However, the band continued to play, creating a stark contrast to the chaos. One news executive noted that while some areas of the room experienced panic, others seemed unaware of the unfolding situation.

Official Investigations

The Secret Service confirmed that they are investigating the incident in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department. They stated, “The president and the first lady are safe along with all protectees. One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.”

On March 2, Trump had expressed his excitement about attending the dinner, stating it would be an honor to accept the invitation and make it “the GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER OF ANY KIND, EVER!” This attendance was not without controversy, as over 350 journalists and organizations had previously called for opposition to Trump’s perceived threats to press freedom.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-04-26 05:01:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk