Video shows Trump evacuated seconds after gunshots at White House correspondents’ dinner

A man armed with guns and knives rushed into the lobby outside the White House correspondents’ dinner at the Washington Hilton, charging toward the ballroom before Secret Service agents overpowered and detained him. President Donald Trump was not injured and was swiftly taken to a secure location. Guests ducked under tables as some reported hearing gunshots outside the sprawling subterranean ballroom.

The article reports that Trump called for tougher security measures in response to a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Laura Loomer, a Trump ally, posted on X: “They’re trying to kill President Trump again at the same location Ronald Reagan was shot.”

The White House Correspondents’ Association said the event would resume as planned, pending guidance from law enforcement.

President Trump posted on Truth Social confirming the shooter was in custody and saying he had recommended that the show go on, while noting decisions would be guided by law enforcement. He indicated the evening would be different but would be conducted again if possible.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that a shooter had opened fire and was in custody. President Trump and other officials were uninjured as the situation unfolded.

During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, shots were fired, triggering an emergency evacuation of President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other officials. The pool reported a shooter was in custody; witnesses described hearing five to eight shots. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

On March 30, 1981, John Hinckley Jr. shot President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. Hinckley fired six shots from a .22-caliber revolver. One bullet ricocheted off Reagan's armored limousine and struck him under his left armpit, near his heart. Reagan was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, underwent emergency surgery, recovered, and was back at the White House within two weeks.

A video going viral online captured the moment when shots were heard at the hotel during the dinner.

The disruption lasted only a short while, and the event soon resumed, with a senior administration official saying Trump wanted to return and continue with his remarks, per the New York Times.

According to the White House press pool, a Secret Service officer was heard shouting, “Shots fired,” as reporters traveling with the president looked on.

Secret Service agents with guns drawn moved rapidly through the aisles toward the president as the shots occurred.

Several loud bangs caused panic at the hotel hosting the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington, D.C., prompting Secret Service agents with guns drawn to rush through the aisles toward President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump and Vance were evacuated quickly and were uninjured, according to an Associated Press source.