Panic broke out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner late on Saturday evening after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton, prompting Donald Trump to be swiftly escorted from the venue by Secret Service agents.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday during the high-profile event, which was attended by the presidential couple and several senior cabinet members.
Footage showed Secret Service personnel ushering the US president out of the building moments after the shots were fired.
Shortly afterwards, both the Secret Service and Trump confirmed that a suspect had been apprehended. Authorities identified the alleged attacker as a 30-year-old man from California.
Washington’s police chief, Jeffrey Carroll, told reporters that the suspect had “confronted” a Secret Service checkpoint.
“He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives,” Carroll said. “As he ran through the checkpoint, members of the United States Secret Service intercepted the individual.” He added that the suspect and officers “exchanged gunfire”.
BREAKING: Trump was just rushed off the stage during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. pic.twitter.com/s9w1FW9BJ7
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 26, 2026
According to CNN, a Secret Service agent was shot during the incident. The bullet struck the agent’s protective gear, and he was taken to a local hospital. His condition was not immediately clear.
US media reported that between five and seven shots were fired outside the hall where the dinner was taking place.
Replay video of shots being heard and President Trump and the rest of the stage being evacuated from the WHCA Dinner. pic.twitter.com/t908J3v47b
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) April 26, 2026
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the evening as “intense” and praised the response of law enforcement.
“The Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and with courage. The perpetrator has been arrested,” he wrote, adding that he had suggested the event continue but would defer to authorities.
Although the president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Weijia Jiang, initially said the programme would resume, it was ultimately decided that the event would not continue.
Trump reportedly wished to return to the dinner, but the Secret Service advised against it. He later confirmed he would return to the White House and hold a press conference.
“Law enforcement has asked us to leave the venue in accordance with protocol, which we will do immediately,” he said in a subsequent post, adding that the First Lady, Vice President and all cabinet members were safe.
The dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days, he said.
Trump had been due to deliver remarks at the event, marking his first appearance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. During his first term, he declined to attend the gathering, and he had also stayed away following his re-election.
The Washington Hilton, located a short distance from the White House, is the same venue where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.