Donald Trump and his wife Melania were safely evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday evening after reports of gunfire prompted an immediate security response, according to multiple verified news outlets. The Secret Service confirmed both were unharmed and returned to the White House shortly after the incident, which led to the evacuation of hundreds of attendees from the annual gala held at a Washington, D.C. Hotel.
According to reports from Le Temps and Reuters, the evacuation occurred around 8:00 p.m. Local time when attendees heard loud noises interpreted as gunfire. Security personnel swiftly moved the president and first lady to safety, while law enforcement apprehended a suspect at the scene. The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, a longstanding tradition attended by journalists, government officials and public figures, was immediately suspended as a precaution.
The Secret Service, responsible for protecting the president and other high-ranking officials, stated that Donald Trump and Melania Trump were “in safety” following the evacuation. Multiple journalists from Agence France-Presse confirmed observing the evacuation and noted that other senior government figures present, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were also escorted from the venue.
Le Monde reported that the suspect was detained without further incident and that investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged gunfire. No shots were confirmed to have been fired at the time of initial reporting, and authorities emphasized that the response was based on perceived threats to ensure the safety of all attendees.
The White House Correspondents’ Association has not released an official statement detailing the nature of the disturbance, but confirmed that the event was halted and attendees were guided to secure areas by security personnel. Hotel staff and local police assisted in the orderly evacuation of the ballroom, which had hosted several hundred guests prior to the interruption.
This incident marks the first time during his presidency that Donald Trump has attended the annual correspondents’ dinner, an event he had previously criticized and avoided during his first term. His appearance had been noted in advance by media outlets as a significant development in relations between the presidency and the press corps.
Following the evacuation, the Secret Service conducted a sweep of the venue before allowing attendees to either depart or, in some cases, return after the area was deemed secure. The president was expected to address reporters after returning to the White House, with his remarks scheduled for approximately 2:00 a.m. GMT (4:00 a.m. In Switzerland), according to White House officials cited by Le Temps.
Law enforcement officials have not released the identity of the detained individual or specified the exact nature of the alleged threat, stating that the investigation remains ongoing. No injuries were reported among attendees, and all individuals accounted for after the evacuation were confirmed to be safe.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, established in 1920, is traditionally held each spring and serves as a fundraiser for journalism scholarships while fostering dialogue between the press and the executive branch. While often featuring satirical speeches and lighthearted moments, the event takes place under heightened security due to the presence of the president and other national leaders.
As of Sunday morning, April 26, 2026, no further details about the suspect’s motive or potential charges have been made public. Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and witness statements as part of the standard protocol following such security incidents at high-profile events.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, readers are encouraged to consult official statements from the Secret Service, the White House Press Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.
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