Chaos at White House Correspondents’ Dinner as gunman storms hotel, opens fire outside ballroom and Trump is evacuated
A high-profile evening at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was disrupted Saturday night after a reported security scare prompted a rapid response from protective agents, sending guests ducking for cover inside the Washington Hilton ballroom.
According to accounts from attendees and videos circulating online, more than 2,000 guests were present when the disturbance unfolded near an entry checkpoint. Members of the protective detail quickly moved Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials out of the room as a precaution.
Witnesses described confusion and fear as attendees took cover and were later directed to secure areas. Some unverified reports have suggested the presence of an armed individual near the venue, but authorities have not confirmed those claims, nor have they released details about any suspect, injuries, or the nature of the threat.
The U.S. Secret Service and event organizers have yet to provide a full account of what triggered the response. It remains unclear whether the incident involved a credible threat or was a precautionary action taken out of an abundance of caution.
The Correspondents’ Dinner, typically a lighthearted evening bringing together journalists and political leaders, was effectively cut short. Officials are expected to release additional information as the situation is reviewed.
