President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday to release a video and two photographs connected to the shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, an incident that forced his evacuation from the event. The images show the suspected shooter with his wrists bound behind his back, shirtless, and lying face down on the ground.
The video, apparently captured from a security monitor, depicts Secret Service agents stationed near a metal detector before a figure suddenly dashes through the area. Agents can be seen drawing their weapons and aiming toward where the individual fled. The Secret Service confirmed the incident occurred at the screening checkpoint attendees must pass through to enter the annual gala.
Speaking to reporters later at the White House, Trump described the suspect as having “charged a security checkpoint armed with many weapons.” The president added, “He started running from 50 yards and he was fast. He was like a blur on tape.” Trump noted that one Secret Service officer was struck by a bullet, but the round hit the agent’s protective vest. The officer is reported to be in good spirits. Trump identified the suspect as a California resident.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced that the suspect will be arraigned on Monday, facing charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. The Hill has not independently verified the alleged shooter’s identity.
Reporters from The Hill who attended the dinner reported hearing three or four loud bangs. Guests immediately dove under tables for cover before the president, first lady, and Cabinet members were rushed out of the Washington Hilton, the venue that has hosted the dinner for decades. Officers in tactical gear stormed the stage and evacuated Trump, Vice President Vance, and others. Reporters and editors hid under tables, some grabbing trays for protection; women removed their shoes, according to accounts from the scene.
Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s chief of communications, posted a statement on social media confirming that “one individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.” Both Trump and White House Correspondents Association president Weija Jiang said the dinner will be rescheduled within the next 30 days.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum, with lawmakers condemning the violence and praising the Secret Service’s response. For more on the political fallout, see our coverage on how allies and foes reacted after Trump was evacuated. The president’s decision to release the suspect’s images so quickly has also sparked debate about transparency and due process.
This is the first time a sitting president has been evacuated from the White House Correspondents Dinner due to a security threat. The event, traditionally a lighthearted gathering of journalists and politicians, was abruptly transformed into a scene of chaos and fear. As the investigation continues, questions remain about how the suspect managed to approach the checkpoint and whether any warning signs were missed.
