President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after gunshots rang out inside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel, disrupting the high-profile event attended by top U.S. officials and journalists.
The incident unfolded just after 8:30 p.m. ET when loud bangs, believed to be gunfire, sent hundreds of guests ducking under tables. Secret Service agents swiftly whisked Trump and First Lady Melania Trump off the stage, while heavily armed security personnel, including men with rifles, moved through the crowd to secure the area. A law enforcement official confirmed a shooter opened fire, though no immediate details on injuries or the shooter’s status were available.
Video footage captured the chaos, showing attendees crouched beside tables as security teams navigated the packed banquet hall. CBS News security contributor Sam Vinograd, present at the event, reported that shots were fired in a hallway near her table, prompting a full evacuation of the room.
Several Cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert K. Kennedy, Jr., were in attendance, alongside Vice President JD Vance. Security protocols ensured their rapid removal from the venue as the National Guard took up positions inside the building. Guests were allowed to leave but barred from re-entering, with tight security measures enforced outside the hotel.
Witnesses reported hearing between five and eight shots, though the exact nature of the threat remains unclear. The annual dinner, a gathering of prominent journalists, celebrities, and national leaders, was poised to feature a speech from Trump before the incident derailed the evening. Law enforcement continues to secure the site, with no official statement yet on casualties or the motive behind the gunfire.
As of late Saturday, the Washington Hilton remained under lockdown, with authorities expected to release further updates on the investigation by early Sunday morning.
Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
