Trump evacuated after security incident at White House correspondents dinner; no sign of injuries
A chaotic scene unfolded Saturday night at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington after a reported security threat forced a sudden evacuation of the venue.
President Donald Trump was not hurt, and other senior U.S. officials were quickly moved out of the ballroom at the Washington Hilton. Early information from law enforcement indicated that a gunman may have fired shots, though details remained unclear. No injuries were immediately confirmed.
Witnesses described a moment of panic as Secret Service agents and other authorities rushed into the hall. Hundreds of attendees took cover under tables as shouting broke out, with some urging others to get down. Several people said they heard what sounded like multiple gunshots, possibly between five and eight.
The room, packed with journalists, public figures, and government leaders awaiting the president’s speech, was cleared out swiftly. National Guard personnel later secured positions inside the building, while guests were allowed to exit but not return. Security around the hotel was significantly increased.
Officials confirmed the presence of a shooter but did not release additional information as the situation continued to develop.
Among those attending the dinner were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Earlier in the evening, the event had been set to highlight the often tense relationship between the president and the press. Trump’s planned appearance marked a rare moment, as he had skipped the dinner during his first term and the first year of his second term. He had previously attended as a guest in 2011 and again in 2015 before entering office.
Traditionally, the dinner serves as a mix of lighthearted commentary and reflection on press freedoms, with presidents often delivering remarks that include humor and acknowledgment of the First Amendment. This year’s entertainment was scheduled to feature mentalist Oz Pearlman rather than a comedian.
The gathering has long sparked debate within journalism circles about whether it is appropriate for reporters to socialize with the officials they cover. Some organizations, including The New York Times, have opted out of attending for years over ethical concerns.
Tensions between the administration and the media have remained high, marked by public criticism of reporters, legal battles with major outlets, and disputes over access to government institutions. In the days leading up to the dinner, nearly 500 retired journalists signed a petition urging the correspondents’ association to take a stronger stand in defense of press freedom.
Weijia Jiang, president of the association, emphasized the broader significance of the event, noting its role in underscoring the importance of a free press, particularly as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.
Not everyone in attendance viewed the event as a platform for activism. Some reporters maintained that their role was simply to cover the news, not to engage in protest.
Outside the hotel, a small group of demonstrators gathered, with some displaying signs criticizing the state of journalism and others using costumes to mock administration figures.
For many journalists, the dinner also serves as a chance to build relationships and gather insights that could prove useful in their reporting. It is common for reporters to bring guests, including political sources, to the event.
This year, several administration officials accepted invitations from media organizations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attended as a guest of the New York Post, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were invited by NBC.
The Associated Press extended an invitation to Taylor Budowich, a former Trump administration official who had been involved in communications policy and was previously named in a lawsuit filed by the outlet over access restrictions.
The evening was also set to include awards recognizing outstanding journalism, including reporting that has drawn criticism from the president in the past.
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