A major security scare unfolded in Washington on Saturday night after gunfire erupted near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, forcing President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to be swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents.
According to reports, the incident happened at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the annual high profile event was being held.
Authorities said a man allegedly opened fire at a security checkpoint and injured a Secret Service officer before being subdued and arrested.
President Trump later told reporters that the injured officer was protected by a bulletproof vest and was in stable condition.
“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service.”
– Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/4YNfL2ulTi
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) April 26, 2026
Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as a 31 year old man from the Los Angeles area.
Officials said the suspect was allegedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
Investigators are now examining how the weapons were brought into the heavily secured venue.
The black tie dinner was attended by senior government officials, cabinet members, journalists, and invited guests under tight security.
Witness videos reportedly showed panic inside the ballroom as attendees screamed and took cover under tables after hearing gunshots.
Security personnel quickly moved to shield officials, while armed officers rushed the stage and escorted Trump, the First Lady, Vice President JD Vance, and others to safety.
Tension at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as JD Vance and Donald Trump were evacuated after shots rang out. pic.twitter.com/UGgITDQKRP
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) April 26, 2026
Some guests were seen remaining under tables as the room was cleared.
The event was later cancelled following the scare.
Trump later addressed reporters at the White House, where he suggested he believed he may have been the intended target.
Authorities said early indications suggest the suspect may have acted alone, though investigations are ongoing.
The Washington Hilton is historically significant as the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on former President Ronald Reagan.
Police tell bystanders to stand back at the hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after reports of shots fired. https://t.co/jjuR3HbFdP pic.twitter.com/crXJNHqnkv
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) April 26, 2026
See the tense moment U.S. Secret Service agents moved in to stop the shooter. pic.twitter.com/rKkT6werMC https://t.co/jjuR3HbFdP
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) April 26, 2026
