Gunman Opens Fire Near White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Secret Service Subdues Suspect as Trump and Officials Are Evacuated

A shooting disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump, the first lady, and other senior officials.

According to law enforcement, a man armed with a rifle, handgun, and knives approached a security checkpoint near the event and exchanged gunfire with Secret Service agents before being subdued and taken into custody. Authorities identified the suspect as a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California.

One Secret Service agent was reportedly shot and taken to a hospital. No other confirmed injuries were immediately reported.

The annual gala, attended by journalists, government officials, and media executives, was quickly thrown into confusion as shots were heard. Witnesses described people ducking under tables while security personnel rushed into the ballroom and cleared the area.

President Trump was escorted out safely and later delivered a brief statement from the White House. He praised law enforcement for their response and called for unity, saying Americans should resolve differences peacefully.

WHCA president Weijia Jiang addressed attendees after the incident, visibly emotional, and instructed them to leave the ballroom. She said the event would be rescheduled within 30 days.

Journalists present at the dinner began reporting developments in real time. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer said he heard multiple gunshots and was pushed to the ground by police before being moved to a secure area. Other reporters described the scene as chaotic and frightening.

The dinner had just begun, with attendees finishing the first course, when the disturbance occurred. Security had already been tight due to protests outside the venue earlier in the evening.

The WHCA dinner is an annual event that typically includes remarks from the president and entertainment. This year marked Trump’s first attendance at the dinner during his presidency.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.