The BRICS TimesA gunman charged a security checkpoint at Washington Hilton during the 2026 White House Correspondents Dinner on April 25. President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and senior Cabinet members were all evacuated safely. A Secret Service agent took a bullet but his protective vest saved his life. The suspect is now in custody.
Gunshots ring out at one of Washington’s biggest annual events
Saturday night in Washington DC turned chaotic when a man carrying multiple weapons rushed toward a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents Dinner. The annual event was being hosted at the Washington Hilton hotel. President Donald Trump was seated on stage at the front of the ballroom with First Lady Melania Trump. Within seconds, Secret Service agents surrounded the president and pulled him off stage. Vice President JD Vance, along with several Cabinet members, was also quickly removed from the venue.
What happened at the security checkpoint
The armed suspect never made it inside the ballroom. He approached the main magnetometer screening area and was stopped by Secret Service agents. According to a source briefed on the incident, the man arrived at the metal detectors carrying a shotgun with magazines strapped across his shoulder. He was shot by agents and then taken away in handcuffs. One Secret Service agent was struck in the chest but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and was expected to make a full recovery. No other injuries were reported among guests.
Guests inside the ballroom hit the floor
Inside the grand ballroom, panic spread fast. Hundreds of guests dove under their tables after hearing what sounded like multiple gunshots. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer was outside the ballroom near the lobby when the shooting happened. He described the moment live on air: “All the sudden a guy with a weapon, it was a very, very serious weapon, it starts shooting, and I happened to have been a few feet away from him as he was shooting.” Blitzer added that the suspect appeared to fire at least six times before police tackled him to the ground. Officers then escorted Blitzer into a nearby restroom for his safety.Fox News anchor Bret Baier, who was seated inside the ballroom, heard the shots too. He noted the sounds did not seem to come from inside the room itself. Eyewitness Erin Thielman told reporters she saw the suspect fall after being shot by security. She heard three shots fired at the man and said it was unclear whether the gunman had fired any rounds himself.
Trump speaks out after leaving the venue
Trump departed the Washington Hilton at around 9:45 PM eastern time. Law enforcement requested all attendees leave the premises after the incident. Back at the White House, Trump held a press briefing flanked by Cabinet members and senior officials. He said: “A man charged a security checkpoint, armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service.” He also confirmed that the suspect had charged from about 50 yards away before being stopped.Trump said the man lives in California and called him “a very sick person.” He added that federal investigators were already heading to the suspect’s home. Trump praised the Secret Service for reacting quickly and called their response “very impressive.” He also referenced earlier assassination attempts against himself in Butler, Pennsylvania and Palm Beach, Florida, urging Americans to “resolve our differences.”Earlier, Trump had posted on Truth Social: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.”
Charges expected soon, says acting attorney general
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke at the White House briefing room shortly after the incident. He said charges were expected to be filed very soon. “The charges should be self-evident, given the conduct. But as you’ll hear, there will be multiple charges surrounding the shooting, around the possession of firearms and anything else that we can get on this guy,” Blanche said. He also said the investigation was actively ongoing. Blanche called the night a mix of the country’s worst and best: “Tonight you saw the very worst and the very best of this country. You saw the very worst by the actions of that coward that the president just talked about. But you also saw the very best because you saw law enforcement do exactly what they’re supposed to do.”
FBI and Secret Service respond officially
FBI Director Kash Patel urged anyone with information about the suspect to come forward immediately. He said investigators would be looking thoroughly into the gunman’s background. The Secret Service issued an official statement confirming it was investigating “a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area” at the dinner, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department. The statement confirmed all protectees were safe.
A historic night turns frightening
This year’s dinner was already a historic occasion. It was the first time Trump attended the White House Correspondents Dinner as a sitting president. He had skipped the event throughout his entire first term. The dinner traditionally brings together journalists, White House officials and celebrities for an evening of speeches and entertainment. Mentalist Oz Pearlman was scheduled to perform. WHCA president Weijia Jiang was also present at the event.House Speaker Mike Johnson, who attended with his wife Kelly, shared a message on social media after being evacuated: “Kelly and I were at the event tonight, and we’re thankful no innocent people were harmed and everyone is now safe. We’re grateful as always for the law enforcement and first responders who acted so quickly to bring the situation under control.”Trump confirmed the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days. He also used the moment to promote a ballroom he is currently constructing at the White House, suggesting it would offer a more secure setting for future gatherings.
Akshay Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal
Mayur Mohta