Washington — President Donald Trump was uninjured and other top U.S. leaders were evacuated from the annual White House correspondents’ dinner Saturday night after an unspecified threat and reports of shots fired, authorities said.
A law enforcement official said a shooter opened fire outside the ballroom where Trump and guests were seated at the Washington Hilton. There did not immediately appear to be any injuries, and details remained limited. The event was canceled and organizers said it will be rescheduled.
“We will do this again,” said Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, as staff began breaking down table settings and the presidential lectern.
Secret Service agents and other authorities swarmed the banquet hall as hundreds of guests ducked under tables. Audible gasps echoed through the room while journalists used phones to relay information. People shouted warnings — “Out of the way, sir!” and calls to duck — and a “God Bless America” chant started as Trump was escorted off the stage. He briefly fell, apparently tripping, and Secret Service agents helped him up.
A law enforcement official confirmed there was a shooter but gave no further immediate details. All officials protected by the Secret Service were evacuated. One law enforcement officer was struck in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to be OK, an official told The Associated Press.
AP
Updated 01:59 PM Apr 26, 2026 IST
