April 25, 2026 ~ A 31 year old man from California was taken into custody Saturday night after shots were fired near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting a rapid evacuation of President Donald Trump, top administration officials, and hundreds of journalists gathered at the Washington Hilton.
President Trump praised law enforcement for their response, calling it a “professional and brave” operation and he says they are owed “tremendous gratitude” for their work. He said he had hoped the event could continue but followed security recommendations to leave the venue. Trump later returned to the White House, where he indicated the dinner would be rescheduled in the next 30 days.
The Secret Service confirmed the incident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. eastern time near the main security screening area outside the ballroom where the annual black-tie event was underway. Officials said the suspect was “neutralized” and detained alive, and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Cabinet members were swiftly removed from the ballroom by Secret Service agents as attendees ducked under tables amid the confusion. Armed agents flooded the room moments later, securing the area while investigators moved in.
Authorities said one law-enforcement officer was struck in a bullet-resistant vest during the incident and is expected to recover.
The White House Correspondents’ Association president, Weijia Jiang of CBS News, addressed guests still inside the ballroom, confirming the president and senior officials were safe and thanking first responders for their actions. Journalists in attendance quickly turned from dinner guests into reporters, filing stories as the situation unfolded.
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