An incident occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night, resulting in an alleged shooter being taken into custody. Reports indicate that shots were fired near the main screening area, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and the Secret Service. Although a Secret Service agent was reportedly targeted, no injuries were sustained, attributed to the agent's protective vest.
President Donald Trump, who was in attendance along with First Lady Melania Trump and other officials, was evacuated following the gunfire. Trump later commended the efforts of law enforcement on social media, stating that they acted "quickly and bravely." The dinner has been canceled, with the White House Correspondent’s Association President Weijia Jiang noting that it may be rescheduled within 30 days.
Jiang confirmed that no attendees were harmed during the incident and expressed gratitude for the rapid response of law enforcement. Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi stated that the agency is actively investigating the shooting situation. Initial accounts describe a chaotic scene, with attendees ducking for cover as loud popping noises were heard.
While high-profile guests, including cabinet officials, were evacuated, some individuals remained in the ballroom for a period after the incident. Federal agents and local law enforcement officials, including D.C.'s mayor and police chief, were reported to be on-site assessing the situation.
The Washington Hilton, where the event took place, has historical significance, notably being the site of the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981.