President Trump, senior leaders evacuated after shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

1 hour ago

WXXV Staff,

Secret service agents respond during the White House Correspondents Dinner, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was reported uninjured and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House correspondents on Saturday night after a shooting near the ballroom where this event was held. There did not immediately appear to be any injuries.

President Trump said about 30 minutes after the shooting that the alleged shooter was in custody.

A police officer was also apparently shot, but was wearing a bulletproof vest and is expected to be ok.

The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the banquet hall at the Washington Hilton as guests ducked under tables by the hundreds. “Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled. Others yelled to duck.

Some in the crowd reported hearing what they believed to be five to eight shots fired. The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s speech — was immediately evacuated. Members of the National Guard took up position inside the building as people were allowed to leave but not re-enter. Security outside was also extremely tight.

Those in attendance included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

President Trump released a Truth Social post shortly after the incident, stating:

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves also took to Facebook with a statement, saying:

“Grateful that President and First Lady Trump are safe tonight.

Thank you to all the law enforcement officers and military who protect our President. President Trump is strong and this will not slow him down! America First!!!”

This is a developing story, and we’ll update this page as more details come to light.