President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other Cabinet officials were rushed from the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday evening after gunfire erupted in the lobby of the Washington Hilton. The Secret Service confirmed that one individual is in custody, though the condition of those involved remains unclear.
In a post on social media, Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s chief of communications, stated that the incident occurred near the screening detectors that attendees must pass through before entering the annual event. “Law enforcement is actively assessing the situation,” he wrote.
Trump later assured the public that he and all other attendees were safe, adding that the dinner would be rescheduled within the next 30 days. The president’s swift removal from the venue underscored the heightened security concerns surrounding the event, which draws journalists, politicians, and celebrities.
Reactions poured in from across the political spectrum. Texas Governor Greg Abbott thanked the Secret Service for their “swift, decisive action to neutralize the threat and protect all in attendance,” and noted that “prayers have been answered for the safety of President Trump, the First Lady, cabinet members, and all guests.” Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado wrote, “Thank God President Trump is safe,” and pointed out that the Secret Service “hasn’t been funded for 70 days” due to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed gratitude that Trump, the first lady, Vice President Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance were unharmed. He warned that “the times in which we live are creating a stream of threats that are unprecedented against President Trump and other government officials,” and called on Americans to “pray for calmer waters and try to be part of the solution, not the problem.”
Critics of the president also condemned the violence. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated flatly that “political violence is absolutely unacceptable.” Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona said he was “thankful that the President and others at the correspondents dinner are safe, and for the quick response from law enforcement.” California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed that sentiment, writing, “A free press is foundational to our country. Violence is never acceptable.”
International leaders joined the chorus. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum posted that “violence should never be the way,” and expressed relief that Trump and his wife were doing well. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite recent tensions between Ottawa and Washington, said he was relieved that Trump and all attendees were safe, adding that “political violence has no place in any democracy.”
Some Trump allies used the incident to advance a pet project: the construction of a ballroom at the White House. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry noted that he was evacuated alongside the president and the entire cabinet, and declared, “This event is yet another reason that President @realDonaldTrump’s ballroom should be built!” Turning Points USA contributor Jack Posobiec echoed that line, writing, “Thank God President Trump is building a ballroom at the White House.”
The shooting comes as the Secret Service faces scrutiny over funding and staffing. The agency’s budget has been a point of contention, with some Republicans blaming the DHS shutdown for leaving agents unpaid. The incident also marks a jarring security breach at an event that has long been a symbol of the relationship between the press and the presidency.
For more on the immediate aftermath, see Trump to Speak After Being Evacuated from Correspondents Dinner Amid Shooting and Trump Rushed from Correspondents Dinner After Gunfire; Shooter Dead.
