Panic gripped a high-profile Washington event as gunfire erupted during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
US President Donald Trump and other top officials were swiftly evacuated, with authorities confirming the suspect is now in custody.
A man armed with a shotgun opened fire near a security checkpoint at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night.
🇺🇸 New footage of Trump leaving the White House Correspondents' Dinner after the shooting pic.twitter.com/s0hrxJOQLr
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) April 26, 2026
The incident forced the evacuation of President Donald Trump and Melania Trump from the venue, the Washington Hilton hotel.
Officials said the attacker fired at a Secret Service agent, who survived after the bullet struck a protective vest. Trump later told reporters the officer was in “good shape.”
Chaos inside the ballroom
The sound of gunshots sent shockwaves through the packed ballroom, which hosted around 2,600 guests.
Attendees ducked for cover as screams of “Get down!” echoed across the hall. Waitstaff fled while security personnel rushed to shield officials.
Cabinet members, including Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Doug Burgum, were pushed to the ground before being evacuated.
Swift response by security forces
Armed security personnel stormed the stage and escorted Trump and his wife to safety. Others took defensive positions, aiming rifles across the ballroom.
According to officials, the suspect charged toward the checkpoint from a distance of about 50 yards before being intercepted.
Trump later described the attacker as a “sick person” who “looked pretty evil.”
Suspect arrested
Authorities confirmed the suspect has been taken into custody and is believed to be a lone attacker.
Police said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with him during the confrontation.
The suspect was not shot but was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Legal action underway
Prosecutors said the suspect will be arraigned in federal court on Monday.
He currently faces charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Officials indicated more charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Authorities believe the attacker acted alone and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Federal agents are also conducting a raid at the suspect’s home in California as part of the investigation.
The Secret Service has launched a full review of the incident, which occurred at a key screening area outside the venue.
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