Gunfire at Washington Hilton sparks panic among 2,600 guests as Secret Service evacuates US president Trump during high-profile event
A major security scare rocked the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night after gunfire erupted inside the venue, prompting a swift evacuation of Donald Trump and hundreds of high-profile attendees. Officials later confirmed that the US president was unharmed, while the suspect was taken into custody alive.
The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton, where more than 2,600 guests including journalists, lawmakers, and celebrities had gathered for one of Washington’s most prominent annual events. Panic spread quickly when a loud noise, later confirmed as gunfire, echoed through the ballroom, sending attendees scrambling for safety.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as guests ducked under tables and shouted warnings. According to reports, President Trump had been discreetly alerted moments before the shooting after receiving a handwritten note. Individuals seated nearby, including White House aides, appeared visibly shaken as the situation escalated.
Agents from the United States Secret Service immediately moved into action, escorting Trump and the First Lady out of the ballroom under heavy protection. Senior officials, including Mike Johnson, were also evacuated as armed personnel secured the area.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted the intensity of the moment. Armed security officers in tactical gear rushed into the hall, while waitstaff fled toward exits. Officials including Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Doug Burgum were reportedly pushed to the ground by agents as a precautionary measure. The stage was later secured as evacuations were carried out in phases.
Authorities confirmed that one law enforcement officer was shot during the incident but survived due to wearing a bulletproof vest. Initial confusion over the suspect’s fate was later clarified, with officials confirming the attacker had been apprehended alive at the scene.
The event was immediately canceled following the shooting. President Trump later indicated that the dinner could be rescheduled within the next month.
Trump Calls Suspect a “Would-Be Assassin”
Speaking at a press conference afterward, Trump described the suspect as a “would-be assassin” armed with multiple weapons. He said the attacker had managed to breach a security checkpoint before being stopped by law enforcement.
“The officer was saved because he was wearing a very strong bulletproof vest,” Trump said, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He also raised concerns about the venue’s security, noting that the Washington Hilton “is not a particularly secure building” despite its history of hosting major political events.
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Trump suggested the attacker acted alone, calling him a “lone wolf” and dismissing links to international tensions, including those involving Iran. When asked whether he believed he was the intended target, Trump responded, “I guess,” adding that the suspect appeared “pretty evil” after being subdued.
The president also revealed that federal agents had launched a raid on the suspect’s residence in California as part of the ongoing investigation.
Global Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the incident, stating he was “deeply shocked” and extending wishes for Trump’s safety and well-being.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, with questions mounting over how the suspect managed to breach security at such a high-profile gathering. The incident has reignited debate over safety protocols at major political events in the United States.
As investigators piece together the timeline and background of the suspect, officials have indicated that more details will be released in the coming days. The shooting underscores the persistent security risks surrounding public appearances by national leaders, even at long-established and tightly controlled events.
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