Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Apr 26: US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner after a shooting incident caused panic at the venue on Sunday.
According to Associated Press, loud gunshots were heard during the high-profile event, prompting immediate intervention by security personnel. Hundreds of guests, including senior government officials, journalists, diplomats and celebrities, ducked under tables and sought cover as chaos briefly unfolded inside the hotel.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect, reportedly armed with a shotgun, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. An official said the attacker attempted to breach security at the venue and opened fire, including firing at a Secret Service agent. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The security breach occurred outside the main banquet hall where the President and other dignitaries were attending the dinner. Security agencies, including the Secret Service and FBI, quickly secured the area and escorted key attendees to safety.
Eyewitnesses said First Lady Melania Trump appeared visibly concerned moments before security personnel moved in and escorted leaders off the stage. The banquet hall was soon swarmed by security forces as a precautionary measure.
Following the incident, Trump said the situation had been brought under control and praised the swift response of the security agencies.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘let the show go on’, but we will entirely be guided by law enforcement,” he said in a statement.
The US Secret Service also confirmed that the suspect was in custody and that authorities were assessing the situation. Reports indicated that the White House Correspondents’ dinner was expected to resume later under heightened security arrangements.
The WHCA dinner is an annual event that brings together political leaders, members of the media, celebrities and public figures. Trump’s attendance this year marked a significant moment, as he had skipped the event during his first term and the initial year of his second term.
The event this year also drew attention due to ongoing tensions between the administration and sections of the media. On the eve of the dinner, nearly 500 retired journalists had signed a petition urging the association to strongly oppose what they described as threats to press freedom.
The venue of the event, the Washington Hilton, has historical significance, having been the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on former President Ronald Reagan.
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of previous security threats involving Trump. In July 2024, he survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman fired multiple shots from a rooftop, killing one attendee and grazing Trump’s right ear. In a separate incident months later, a man was arrested after a rifle was spotted near a golf course in West Palm Beach where Trump was present.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether there were any lapses in security. Further updates are awaited.