Lawyer and activist Kerry Kennedy, whose brother Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serves as Health and Human Services Secretary, publicly thanked Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) late Saturday for protecting her during the chaos that erupted when a shooter opened fire at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner.
In a Facebook post, Kennedy described the terrifying moment: “I hit the floor at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner mid conversation with Rep. Jamie Raskin, who heroically protected me, whispering, ‘You’re ok, you’re ok, you’re ok,’ while my host from The Boston Globe laid on the ground while furiously taking notes, and thousands of journalists, photographers, and editors took cover under tables and beneath chairs.”
The incident unfolded as guests were enjoying the evening, a staple of Washington's political calendar. Kennedy noted the swift response from law enforcement: “Then the doors burst open, and scores of Secret Service agents rushed into the room, many with hands on holsters. They rushed for cabinet secretaries and pulled them to safety.”
She added, “Then security started yelling, ‘Go, go, go,’ demanding that we leave. It was terrifying. But I am still grateful to the brave Secret Service, to my friends at The Boston Globe, and most especially to Rep. Jamie Raskin.”
The FBI has taken over the investigation into the shooting, which occurred above the ballroom. The alleged suspect, 31-year-old Cole Allen of California, was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, according to police. Allen was taken into custody after the attack.
President Trump, attending the dinner for the first time as sitting president, was evacuated along with First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President Vance, and FBI Director Kash Patel. Shortly after, Trump, Vance, and Patel briefed the press from the White House.
Trump reflected on the event, saying, “This was an event dedicated to the freedom of speech that was supposed to bring together members of both parties with members of the press and in a certain way it did. The room was totally unified. It was a very beautiful thing to see.”
For more on the evacuation and the night's events, see WHCA Dinner Evacuated: Gunfire, Chaos, and a Night Under the Table. Additionally, coverage of Trump's response is available in Trump Praises Media, WHCA Chief After Shooter Disrupts Correspondents Dinner.
The shooting has sparked renewed debate about security at high-profile political events, with many attendees praising the quick actions of Secret Service and other law enforcement personnel. Kennedy’s tribute to Raskin highlights the human moments of solidarity amid the fear.
