A dramatic security incident disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night, prompting a swift evacuation of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Despite the scare, Trump urged calm and signalled support for continuing the event, stating he had advised authorities to “let the show go on.”
In a social media update shortly after the incident, Trump commended the response of security personnel. “Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” he wrote, confirming that “The shooter has been apprehended.”
Update from President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/JbNmA6DYdn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 26, 2026
Security response and evacuation
According to reports from AFP and eyewitness accounts, loud sounds resembling gunfire were heard during the dinner, triggering immediate action from security teams. The President and First Lady were quickly escorted to safety as officials moved to secure the venue.
The US Secret Service later confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody and that both Trump and Melania Trump were safe. The agency added that the incident occurred near the main screening area of the event.
Also Read | Trump evacuated after gunfire at White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington
Trump acknowledged that while he supported continuing the programme, the final call rested with authorities. “They will make a decision shortly,” he said. Reflecting on the disruption, he added, “Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
Event likely to be rescheduled
In a separate statement, Trump indicated that the event would not proceed as planned and would instead be rescheduled. “We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days,” he said.
He also noted that law enforcement had advised an immediate evacuation in line with standard protocol. “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately,” Trump said, adding that he would address the media soon from the White House Press Briefing Room.
Also Read | US softens sanctions to ensure Maduro gets legal defence
What is known about the suspect
Preliminary information from an FBI official suggested that the suspect attempted to breach security and fired at a Secret Service agent, who was not injured. The individual was reportedly armed with a shotgun.
NEW: EXCLUSIVE images via a @scrippsnews @EWScrippsCo staffer showing the suspected gunman at the 2026 White House Correspondents' Dinner tackled to the ground by Secret Service at the Washington Hilton. pic.twitter.com/IwAy1EPJSb
— Nathaniel Reed (@ReedReports) April 26, 2026
“The FBI Washington Field Office's National Capital Response Squad has responded to a shooting at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. The subject is in custody,” the agency said in a statement.
Images circulating online appeared to show a suspect being restrained by security personnel, though their authenticity has not been independently verified.
Officials confirmed that Trump, the Vice President, Cabinet members, and the First Lady were “in perfect condition” following the incident.
