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Inside the room as shots rang out at correspondents' dinner

Attendees ducked under tables as Secret Service rushed President Trump and other officials away, and the gala was canceled after the security scare.

  • On Saturday, President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were evacuated from the White House Correspondents Dinner at the Washington Hilton following a security incident that forced the gala's cancellation.
  • The Washington Hilton previously hosted the 1981 shooting of former President Ronald Reagan, and attendees reported security felt light, with cursory ticket checks and minimal screening before entering the ballroom.
  • Three loud pops rang out as Secret Service agents swarmed the ballroom; actor Zachary Levi and FBI Director Kash Patel dove for cover while 2600 guests scrambled under tables for safety.
  • From the stage, WHCA President Weijia Jiang announced the gala's cancellation and stated The President would hold a press briefing in 30 minutes as authorities tackled a suspect carrying a shotgun, handgun, and knife.
  • Perceived violence in Washington has escalated in recent months, with officials previously declaring a "crime emergency." Threats against The President have become a recurring feature of the current administration's political landscape.
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Raw Story broke the news in United States on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
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