US President Donald Trump and other top leaders were evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner after shots were fired outside the venue. The incident occurred early Sunday morning Australian Eastern Standard Time, with Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and all other guests unharmed.
Security Response
The attempted shooting took place outside the banquet hall where the president and officials were attending the dinner. Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the area as hundreds of guests ducked under tables. Agents shouted 'shots fired' and 'out of the way, sir!' according to pool reports. One officer was shot but saved by a bulletproof vest.
Details of the Incident
CCTV footage posted by President Trump on Truth Social showed the alleged shooter sprinting toward the hall past a security checkpoint. The video appeared to show Secret Service members reacting quickly, drawing their weapons. Trump also shared a photo of the shirtless suspect being detained on the ground by authorities.
In a press conference 30 minutes after the incident, Trump stated the shooter was armed with multiple weapons. He confirmed one officer was shot from 'very close distance with a very powerful gun.' Trump added, 'I just spoke to the officer, and he’s doing great. He has very high spirits, and we told him we love him and respect him.'
President's Remarks
Trump said he initially thought the noise was a falling tray. He described the alleged shooter as a 'very sick person' who appeared to live in California. The incident was a 'traumatic experience' for his wife Melania. Trump praised the rapid response time and announced plans to reschedule the dinner, stating, 'We’re not going to let anybody take over our society.'
Reflecting on being a target, Trump noted that historically, 'people who do the most' are often targeted, citing Abraham Lincoln. He said, 'When you look at the people that have either had an attempt or a successful attempt, they’re very impactful people.'
Legal Proceedings
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the alleged shooter will face charges including firearm possession offenses and 'anything else we can get on this guy.' Blanche commended law enforcement, saying, 'Tonight you saw the very worst of the very best of this country.'
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed on X that the service is investigating alongside the Metropolitan Police Department, promising updates as information becomes available.
Trump’s attendance at the dinner was his first as president. The event was abruptly cut short as security evacuated the venue.
