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The annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington took a dramatic turn on Saturday when an armed individual disrupted the event, prompting the urgent evacuation of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The incident left a crowd of journalists and officials from both political parties in shock.
The suspect engaged in a shootout with law enforcement before being apprehended, while the President and members of his Cabinet were swiftly escorted from the Washington Hilton venue. Many attendees ducked for cover under their tables, though some Cabinet members remained in the room despite the chaos.
According to police, the intruder was equipped with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives as he breached a security checkpoint outside the ballroom. Video footage captured the suspect rushing past security personnel, who quickly took their positions and opened fire.
A Secret Service agent was hit by gunfire but was fortunately protected by a bulletproof vest. The agent is reportedly in “good spirits,” as confirmed by the agency.
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, informed the press during a separate briefing that the suspect, who was not injured by gunfire, faces charges of committing a violent crime with a firearm and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was taken to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Following the incident, Trump gave updates on Truth Social while still at the dinner as attendees waited to see whether the night would continue.
Trump at a late press conference said he wanted to come back in to restart the night, but was told by law enforcement that he needed to leave the premises.
The president struck a unifying tone while speaking to reporters in the White House press briefing room, calling for national unity.
“But in light of this evening’s events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts and resolving our differences peacefully. We have to. We have to resolve our differences,” Trump said.
Trump also took an unusually conciliatory tone toward the press during the briefing, and thanked them for their “responsible” coverage of the incident.
The first question the president took was from Weija Jiang, senior White House correspondent for CBS and president of the White House Correspondents Association.
“Madam chairman,” Trump said. “I just want to say you did a fantastic job, what a beautiful evening and we’re going to reschedule.”
“You’ve done a fantastic job,” he said.
The president invoked his planned White House ballroom, saying Saturday’s shooting highlighted the need for the structure.
“I didn’t want to say this but this is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we’re planning at the White House. It’s actually a larger room, and it’s much more secure,” Trump said, noting the structure was “drone proof” and has “bulletproof glass.”
“That’s why Secret Service, that’s why the military are demanding it,” he said.
World leaders, along with Trump’s political allies and critics, were quick to react to Saturday’s shooting.
“Prayers have been answered for the safety of President Trump, the First Lady, cabinet members, and all guests at the event,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas).
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) said “political violence is absolutely unacceptable, while Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said in a post on X that he was “thankful that the President and others at the correspondents dinner are safe, and for the quick response from law enforcement.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief that Trump and everyone in the room was unharmed.
“Political violence has no place in any democracy and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event,” he said on X.
The incident took place against the backdrop of the Iran war, but Trump said he did not believe there was a connection.
Police say they believe the suspect was a lone wolf actor.
The incident put Trump and members of the media, who have clashed throughout his presidency, through a shared traumatic event.
Trump said he had wanted to return to the dinner that night to make the point that a gunman could not succeed in interrupting such an event, but that police had said it would be against protocol.
He suggested he had been ready to say some harsh jokes about the press, but that when a new dinner is held in 30 days, he might have to be softer with his approach.