Shots rang out at the White House correspondents' dinner on Saturday night, turning smiles into shock and fear as President Donald Trump dived to the ground and guests ducked under tables. The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton ballroom, where the annual event was underway.
Chaos Erupts at the Dinner
Around 8:35 PM local time, loud bangs were heard from just outside the ballroom. Video footage captured the moment when pandemonium erupted. Trump, seated next to CBS News journalist Weijia Jiang and his wife Melania, who was chatting with press secretary Karoline Leavitt, immediately took cover. Secret Service agents rushed to the stage, rifles drawn, shouting "get down" and "stay down." Guests crouched under tables as dishes clattered and wine spilled across tablecloths.
Trump later said he initially thought the noise was from dropped trays, but it quickly became clear it was gunfire. The president was shielded by agents and hurried off stage, while Vice President JD Vance was rushed in the opposite direction.
Suspect Apprehended
The suspect, a 31-year-old man who had checked into the hotel days earlier, rushed toward the ballroom armed with a rifle, a handgun, and several knives. He fired shots as security personnel responded. One Secret Service agent was shot in the chest but saved by a ballistic vest. The gunman was wrestled to the floor, shirtless and handcuffed. Writings sent to family members before the attack suggested he did not expect to survive.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the suspect will face federal charges on Monday. The incident marks the third known attempt on Trump's life, following a 2024 campaign rally shooting where a bullet grazed his ear.
Trump's Response
Less than an hour later, Trump posted on Truth Social, praising law enforcement: "Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely." He initially wanted the dinner to continue but deferred to security protocols. Trump later held a press conference at the White House, where he complimented journalists' coverage and gave Weijia Jiang the first question. He announced the dinner would be rescheduled in a month.
The evening ended with journalists in evening wear streaming to the White House briefing room, still processing the night's events. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed reporting.
