US President Donald Trump was rushed to safety from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots range
out at the venue.
The President and First Lady Melania Trump appeared to be part way through a conversation at the Washington Hilton when he was interrupted by a commotion at the White House table.
Loud bangs could be heard and then various secret service members escorted the president away from the venue as they called out “stay down, stay down”.
The president, first lady and all other protectees are safe, the Secret Service said later, after seven to eight gunshots were fired.
Trump later said the injured officer was protected by a bulletproof vest and was in good condition.
Officials said the suspect appeared to act alone. Police said he was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
Surveillance video released by Trump showed the suspect running through a screening area before agents drew their weapons.
The event, attended by about 2,600 people, was canceled.
Trump later said federal agents were raiding the suspect’s home in California.
The shooting follows two assassination attempts against Trump during the 2024 campaign.
The dinner was being held at the Washington Hilton, also the site of the 1981 attempt on President Ronald Reagan.
The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner has long served as a symbol of the uneasy but enduring relationship between the U.S. presidency and the press.
Founded in 1921, the annual black‑tie event brings together journalists, top government officials and civic figures.
Sitting presidents have traditionally attended at least once during their terms, sometimes delivering good‑natured remarks at their own expense.
Beyond the celebrity and satire, the dinner has historically been used to raise scholarship funds and spotlight press freedom.
Before latest incident
Before this shooting, Trump was the target of two assassination attempts in 2024 while campaigning for reelection after leaving the White House in 2021.
The first was while Trump was campaigning at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.
Trump was shot and wounded in his upper ear by a 20-year-old gunman. The gunman was shot dead by security personnel.
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