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Trump rushed to safety after shots fired at White House Correspondents' Dinner: Catch latest updates
Donald Trump and Melania Trump were evacuated safely from the White House Correspondents' Dinner late on Saturday after shots were reportedly heard at the event.
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Donald Trump and Melania Trump arrive at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday (local time)
Written By: ZeeBiz WebTeam
Updated: Sun, Apr 26, 2026
09:10 AM IST
09:10 AM IST
New Delhi, ZeeBiz WebDesk
US President Donald Trump and other officials of his administration were escorted out from the White House Correspondents' Dinner late on Saturday (local time) after shots were reportedly fired at the event. US Secret Service personnel immediately covered the president and rushed him safely out of the event, according to foreign media reports. After the incident, The US Secret Service said in a statement that it is is investigating "a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner" in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department.
When did the incident happen?
The shooting was reported to have taken place around 9-10 PM EDT on Saturday (6:30-7:30 am Sunday in India).
Early reports suggested that around 5-8 shots were fired at the incident and no serious injury was reported.
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One armed individual held
The service also noted that one individual is in custody. "The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation," it said.
"The president and the first lady are safe along all protectees," added the Secret Service.
Shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner: How did it happen?
Guests scrambled to take cover under the tables as loud noises were heard at the main hall where the event was hosted, according to foreign media reports.
The incident occurred shortly after the POTUS and the First Lady arrived at the event.
Tactical teams immediately rushed to the spot where the POTUS and the First Lady were seated and were evacuated safely.
The event was hosted at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC.
Helicopters were reportedly heard hovering the premises after the incident.
It could not be ascertained immediately what the aim of the shooter was.
US security personnel covering POTUS and FLOTUS at the White House Correspondents' Dinner
Trump praises US Secret Service for prompt response, says they 'acted quickly and bravely'
Lauding the Secret Service and the Law Enforcement for their "quick and brave" response to the shooting, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the shooter was had been apprehended. The US president wrote that he had suggested that "we let the show go on", referring to the correspondents' dinner, but said that the law enforcement would guide the rest of the process.
"Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again," he said, confirming that the event will be hosted again within the next 30 days.
The President and the First Lady were asked to leave to premises immediately, in line with protocol.
He also wrote that Melania, Vice President JD Vance, and all members of his Cabinet are in "perfect condition".
What Trump said at post-incident press conference
Speaking at a press conference at the White House Press Briefing Room, some 30 minutes after the incident, Trump thanked the Secret Service for saving his life.
He also mentioned that one security personnel was shot during the incident but is safe.
POTUS cancels Iranian talks in Islamabad
In a separate post, on X (formerly Twitter), Trump said he had "just cancelled" the trip of his representatives to engage in peace talks with their Iranian counterparts in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
"Too much time wasted on travelling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their 'leadership'," wrote Trump.
Hinting at telephonic negotiations, he wrote: "If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!"
Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the story:
What is the White House Correspondents' Dinner?
This is a customary annual dinner hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) to celebrate free speech.
The event brings together politicians and journalists for dinner. Typically, American presidents make humorous remarks at the event, which also sees special performances.
Was this the first such event hosting Trump in his second stint as president?
Yes. This was going to be the first White House Correspondents' Dinner.
The shooting incident interrupted the event, triggering evacuation.
Will the event be hosted again?
Yes. The POTUS confirmed after the shooting incident that the 2026 dinner will be hosted within the next 30 days.
What is the US Secret Service?
It is a central law enforcement agency under the US Department of Homeland Security that protects national leaders, primarily POTUS and FLOTUS.
Are there any additional duties assigned to the agency?
Besides protecting the national assets, especially POTUS and FLOTUS, the agency investigates financial crimes. It accompanies the primary assets worldwide on a 24x7 basis.
Were there any injuries reported due to the shooting?
Yes. The US president confirmed that one security personnel was shot at but was safe.
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