Gunshots During Dinner: Secret Service Agents Shout "Shots Fired"... Trump Takes Cover Under Table, Suspect Apprehended (Comprehensive)
by Lee Myeonghwan
Published 26 Apr.2026 10:56(KST)
Updated 26 Apr.2026 11:51(KST)
Gunshots at White House Correspondents' Dinner Prompt Trump to Evacuate
Trump, Vance, and Other Key Figures Safe
Trump: "Secret Service and Law Enforcement Did an Outstanding Job"
At the White House Correspondents' Dinner attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, gunshots were heard, prompting President Trump to be rushed to safety.
On April 25 (local time) at around 8:00 p.m., President Trump attended the dinner hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., after President Trump had entered, the national anthem ceremony had concluded, and guests were dining.
Several sounds believed to be gunshots were heard during the event, and Secret Service agents immediately rushed onto the stage. According to the White House press pool, Secret Service agents shouted, "Shots fired."
President Trump, his wife Melania, Vice President JD Vance, and other key figures who were dining at the head table on stage hid under the table and then evacuated toward the back of the venue. The precise location where the gunshots were fired has not yet been determined.
Both President Trump and Vice President Vance were reported to be unharmed and safe. The Secret Service stated that the suspect involved in the shooting has been apprehended and is currently in custody.
At approximately 9:20 p.m., President Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying, "The Secret Service and law enforcement agencies did an outstanding job. They responded swiftly and bravely," and added, "The shooter has been arrested." He went on to describe it as a "tumultuous night in DC," and said, "I suggested that the event continue, but I will follow the decision of law enforcement agencies."
The White House Correspondents' Association announced that the event is scheduled to resume. However, whether President Trump will rejoin the event appears to depend on the decision of law enforcement agencies.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner is a historic event that has served as a channel of communication between the president and the media for over 100 years. This was President Trump's first time attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner as president. The event drew attention, as it marked the first time during both his first and second terms that President Trump, known for his confrontational stance toward the American media, attended the dinner with the correspondents.
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