The incident occurred about 45 minutes into the event's start

April 25, 2026

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, on Saturday night (April 25). The two were rushed off the stage from where they were sitting when loud sounds were heard from inside the ballroom.

It was not immediately clear where the sounds came from, but Trump wrote on Truth Social that an attempted shooter had been apprehended.

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” he wrote. “The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

No injuries have been reported. The rest of the guests, which included journalists, politicians, and celebrities, were not evacuated following the incident. The incident occurred about 45 minutes into the event’s start.

While security was seen on the live stream rushing through the crowd of tables, men with rifles also appeared on the stage, and MS Now and C-SPAN both reported that the dinner would resume. Trump attended the function for the first time as president. Mentalist Oz Pearlman was set to host.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been held annually since 1921. Hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), it serves as a fundraiser to benefit young journalists and to celebrate those who cover the administration.