Panic erupted outside the ballroom of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night after an armed man stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, prompting gunshots and a rapid evacuation of dignitaries including Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Guests inside the packed ballroom reportedly dived under tables when shots rang out from the hotel lobby area. Within moments, Secret Service agents rushed the president off stage while members of the US cabinet and other high-profile attendees were escorted to safety.
“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service.” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/N3UTveVNFM
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 26, 2026
Authorities confirmed that the president was not injured in the incident.
According to officials, the suspect described as a hotel guest charged toward a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives before being confronted by members of the United States Secret Service.
‘A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service,’ Trump said after the incident.
‘In light of this evening’s events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts in resolving our differences peacefully,’
The Independent also reported that Jeffery Carroll, interim chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, said investigators do not yet know the suspect’s motive or intended target. He added that the individual was not previously known to local law enforcement.
Carroll confirmed the man was not struck by gunfire during the confrontation but was taken to hospital for evaluation before being placed into custody. He is expected to appear in court on Monday.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect had been staying at the hotel. Police secured the room as part of standard investigative procedure to determine whether any additional threats or materials were present.
Authorities believe the man acted alone.
The dramatic disruption cast a shadow over the high-profile annual dinner, which traditionally brings together political leaders, journalists, celebrities and members of the diplomatic corps in a rare moment of bipartisan social gathering.
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Picture: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
