Gunfire erupted near the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, turning a high‑profile gala into a rapid security operation.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated by the Secret Service, along with other officials. Investigators later described the suspect as a 31‑year‑old man from Torrance, California, who was taken into custody after the incident.
The gunfire reportedly came within sight of the ballroom as security checkpoints were engaged, with a rifle, a handgun and knives found in the suspect’s possession. Authorities exchanged fire with law enforcement at the scene, and attendees ducked for cover as officers moved in.
WHCA president Weijia Jiang addressed the crowd, saying Trump would hold a briefing from the White House within about 30 minutes and that the president intended to reschedule the event within 30 days. Later, Trump posted notes on Truth Social confirming the plan to proceed with the rescheduling and praising the Secret Service for their quick action.
News outlets reported that one Secret Service agent was injured and transported to a hospital, as security measures remained tight and many journalists documented the moment from their seats and on social media. The White House and event organizers coordinated a path forward as the investigation continued.
As the room cleared, some reporters described a tense, chaotic scene, while CSPAN and other networks carried updates in real time. The incident underscores how quickly large public events can pivot from celebration to security crisis.
Source: Original article
