Federal agents draw their guns out after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner Apr 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Getty Images via AFP/Nathan Howard)

US President Donald Trump evacuated from dinner after shots fired

Police swarmed the Washington Hilton Hotel where the event was taking place, and helicopters hovered overhead.

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Shots were fired as US President Donald Trump attended a press dinner in Washington on Saturday night (Apr 25), witnesses and AFP reporters confirmed.

Loud bangs were heard and guests at the black-tie White House Correspondents' Dinner scrambled to hide under tables. Some in the crowd reported hearing what they believed to be five to eight shots fired. 

The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the banquet hall as guests ducked under tables by the hundreds. 

“Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled. Others yelled to duck.

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Tactical teams with guns drawn took position on the stage where Trump had been sitting before he was evacuated.

Police swarmed the Washington Hilton Hotel where the event was taking place, and helicopters hovered overhead.

People take cover as agents stand guard after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner Apr 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Getty Images via AFP/Andrew Harnik)

The pool report said the alleged shooter was in custody, citing the Secret Service.

Trump was reported to be safe. 

Shortly before being escorted off the stage by security, Melania Trump appeared to react to something in the crowd and had a concerned look on her face, according to a live feed from CSPAN.

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

Source: Agencies/gr

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