President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner after a security incident involving gunfire at the Washington Hilton hotel on Saturday night, April 25, 2026. The Secret Service confirmed that Trump and all other protectees were unharmed following the disturbance, which prompted an immediate security response. Law enforcement took one individual into custody after the suspect allegedly charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons.
The incident unfolded during the annual correspondents’ dinner, a high-profile gathering attended by journalists, administration officials and members of Congress. According to NBC News live coverage, the suspect exchanged gunfire with law enforcement in the hotel lobby before being subdued and taken into custody. A Secret Service officer was injured in the exchange but is reported to be in good spirits after receiving medical attention.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran later stated that the agency’s multi-layered protection strategy functioned as intended during the incident. “Tonight we saw exactly what our brave men and women do each and every day to protect our protectees,” Curran said in a statement posted on X, emphasizing the effectiveness of the coordinated response between the Secret Service and local law enforcement partners.
The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released by authorities, is believed to have acted alone. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation despite not being shot, as confirmed by Metropolitan Police Department officials. Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., announced that the individual will face two charges in connection with the incident and is expected to be arraigned shortly.
All attendees, including Trump and other administration officials, were safely evacuated from the ballroom following the activation of security protocols. The White House Correspondents’ Association confirmed that the dinner was interrupted but later resumed after the situation was contained, though Trump did not return to the event.
This marks the first time President Trump has attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner since returning to office. The event, traditionally held each spring, brings together media figures and government officials for an evening of remarks, and recognition. Security measures for such events are typically heightened due to the high-profile nature of the attendees.
The Secret Service continues to review the incident as part of its standard after-action procedures, though no deficiencies in protocol have been indicated at this stage. Local and federal authorities are conducting a joint investigation into the suspect’s motivations and background, with further details expected to be released as the legal process unfolds.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, readers are encouraged to follow official statements from the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. Share your thoughts on this incident in the comments below, and assist spread awareness by sharing this article with others interested in reliable, up-to-date news coverage.