Show summary Hide summary
- How the shooting unfolded at the Washington Hilton
- Who was evacuated and who was present
- Arrest, identity and charges against the suspect
- Injuries, medical updates and protective gear
- Leaders’ reactions and remarks after the attack
- What happened to the event and next steps for organizers
- Historical context: past violence at the same venue
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were escorted to safety after gunfire broke out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25. The chaotic scene sent guests fleeing and prompted a rapid Secret Service response that left one agent wounded and a suspect in custody.
How the shooting unfolded at the Washington Hilton
Guests were gathered in a ballroom when a man forced his way past a security checkpoint near the hotel’s main magnetometer.
Kirsten Storms and ex-husband Brandon Barash relationship timeline: the highs, the drama, the split
Guitar will never die: why the instrument keeps reinventing itself
- Law enforcement says shots were exchanged between the suspect and federal agents.
- The incident occurred shortly after attendees had taken their seats.
- Secret Service and local police moved quickly to secure the area and evacuate VIPs.
The White House later shared a video clip that shows the suspect running past agents and being detained shirtless on the floor.
Who was evacuated and who was present
Organizers and agents escorted several high-profile guests from the room within seconds.
- President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both removed from the ballroom.
- Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, who is pregnant, was also evacuated.
- Other guests included public figures and administration-aligned attendees who were guided out by security.
Arrest, identity and charges against the suspect
Authorities say a 31-year-old man from California was detained at the scene. His motive remains under review.
- He faces multiple federal charges, including counts related to firearm use.
- Prosecutors indicated more charges are possible as the investigation continues.
- The suspect is now in custody and being processed by D.C. law enforcement.
Officials speaking on the case
The U.S. Attorney’s office said prosecutors expect to add charges pending evidence. Local and federal agents continue to gather statements and review surveillance.
Injuries, medical updates and protective gear
A Secret Service agent was hit by gunfire but survived because the round struck his body armor.
- The agent was taken to a hospital and reported to be in good spirits.
- Officials emphasized that the vest likely prevented a far worse outcome.
Medical staff treated the agent, and he remains under care while authorities confirm his condition.
Leaders’ reactions and remarks after the attack
At a later briefing, President Trump praised law enforcement and thanked those who acted to protect attendees.
He described the response as rapid and credited agents with preventing broader harm.
- The president said the incident underscored risks faced by public figures.
- He also noted the emotional impact on the First Lady and others at the table.
What happened to the event and next steps for organizers
The president signaled he wanted the evening to continue, but organizers followed law enforcement guidance.
The White House Correspondents’ event will be rescheduled within 30 days, organizers said.
Journalists at the scene emphasized their role reporting through emergencies and praised colleagues for their calm.
Historical context: past violence at the same venue
The Washington Hilton is the site of a notorious 1981 assassination attempt when President Ronald Reagan and three officers were shot by John Hinckley Jr.
That attack left a lasting mark on security procedures at high-profile events around the capital.
