Gunfire interrupts White House Correspondents’ Dinner as Trump and Melania evacuated from Washington Hilton
A high-profile evening in Washington, D.C. was abruptly disrupted after gunfire broke out during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting the rapid evacuation of Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and senior government officials.
The incident unfolded inside the Washington Hilton less than half an hour after the president and first lady made their entrance, according to reports. Gunshots were heard near the ballroom, sending shockwaves through an event attended by more than 2,000 guests, including journalists, celebrities, and members of the administration.
Chaos erupts inside the ballroom
Witnesses described a sudden shift from celebration to confusion as multiple shots rang out. Some attendees reported hearing between five and eight rounds fired, while others said the noise originated from a corridor or lobby area near the main event space.
Guests immediately took cover under tables as security personnel and law enforcement officers rushed into action. Shouts urging people to get down echoed throughout the hall as the situation escalated.
At the dais, Trump, Melania, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials were swiftly escorted out by Secret Service agents. According to accounts from inside the room, the president had been engaged in conversation with host Oz Pearlman alongside White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang when the evacuation began.
The remainder of the cabinet and other high-profile attendees were then moved out as authorities worked to secure the building.
Law enforcement response and eyewitness accounts
A law enforcement official confirmed that a shooter had opened fire, though early details remained limited. Later reports indicated that the gunman was shot and killed following the incident near security screening areas outside the ballroom.
The hotel was quickly placed under lockdown as authorities flooded the scene, with National Guard members taking positions inside and security tightened around the perimeter.
Wolf Blitzer, who was present at the event, described the moment the shooting began in remarks broadcast on CNN. He said he was near a staircase leading to the lobby when he heard gunfire in close proximity.
“All of a sudden, I start hearing gunshots in the hall right near me,” Blitzer said. “And the next thing I knew, a police officer threw me to the ground and was on top of me.”
Blitzer recounted being moved to a nearby restroom with a group of attendees as officers worked to secure the area. He described the sound of the gunfire as especially intense due to the confined space.
The annual dinner, hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association, had drawn a wide range of attendees, including senior officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Protesters had also been observed both inside and outside the venue earlier in the evening.
Despite the disruption, organizers later indicated that the program was expected to resume after the situation was brought under control.
As of the latest updates, no injuries had been immediately confirmed, and authorities continued to assess the full scope of the incident.
President Trump breaks silence
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social after the incident breaking the silence while adding that a “shooter” at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been apprehended while praising law enforcement.
“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, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again,” The president said in his Truth Social post.
