Five to eight shots were reportedly fired near the venue of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington on Saturday evening, sparking panic, a sweeping security response and the evacuation of President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and other top US officials. The high-profile event, held at the Washington Hilton hotel and attended by top political leaders, journalists, celebrities and guests, was suddenly disrupted as witnesses described hearing gunfire and seeing armed security personnel rushing into the hall.
Those present said that the atmosphere changed within seconds when officers entered the hall shouting for people to get down. Regularly dressed guests ducked under tables as glasses shattered and tables were left deserted as they rushed for cover. Security teams reportedly moved quickly toward the podium where Trump was sitting moments earlier, while others began securing exits and interior corridors.
Initial reports sparked confusion about whether the shooting took place inside the hotel or nearby. The US Secret Service later clarified that the incident occurred in a viewing area outside the main dinner venue, noting that the hall itself was not the direct scene of the shooting. However, the response to the threat led to the building being immediately shut down.
Authorities later confirmed that Trump was unharmed, and no immediate injuries were reported among guests or staff. Trump later said in a social media post that the shooter had been arrested. Officials did not immediately release details about the suspect, a possible motive, or whether the president was specifically targeted.
Following the incident, the Washington Hilton Hotel was placed under heavy security. Members of the National Guard were seen inside the building, while police closed nearby streets and redirected traffic. Helicopters were also reported in the sky as local and federal agencies coordinated their response.
The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner is one of the most prominent public events in Washington, typically bringing together presidents, lawmakers, diplomats, media executives and entertainers. A shooting scare Saturday night turned the evening from a celebratory gathering into a tense emergency scene.