White House dinner disrupted after gunfire incident

Security personnel opened fire on an armed man who had entered through a security gate directly outside the banquet hall of the hotel, where Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, senior government officials and hundreds of guests were attending the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Attendees took cover under tables as chaos spread, while Secret Service agents moved through the Hilton Washington hotel in the US capital.

Trump’s response and description of the suspect

Trump said at a hastily arranged press conference at the White House shortly after the incident that “a man breached a security checkpoint, armed with several weapons, and was brought under control by brave Secret Service agents”.

He added: “They seem to think he was a lone wolf, I think so too,” and released video footage of the suspect being arrested at the scene while attempting to run through a security checkpoint as agents drew their weapons.

Injuries and security concerns

Trump said a security officer had been shot at close range but did not appear to be seriously injured. He also noted that the hotel where the event was held was “not a particularly secure facility”.

He said he initially thought the sound was a dropped tray beforerealisingit was gunfire, adding that he intended to reschedule the media dinner within a month despite the incident.

Arrest and weapons recovered

City authorities said the suspect, who is due to appear in court on Monday on charges of firearm use and assault, appeared to have been a hotel guest. He was reportedly armed with a hunting rifle, a handgun and knives.

During the incident, armed tactical teams were positioned on the stage where Trump had been seated before he was evacuated.

Police surrounded the hotel while helicopters circled overhead.

Evacuation and confusion at the scene

The breach occurred after the welcoming speech at the dinner, before Trump’s scheduled address. Government officials were evacuated first as confusion and concern spread among guests.

One administration official, Muhammad Oz, told reporters that “shots were fired upstairs” as security personnel escorted him outside.

Background of previous incidents

Trump had previously survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024, when a gunman fired multiple shots, killing a spectator and slightly injuring the president in the ear.

Months later, another man was arrested after a Secret Service agent spotted a rifle barrel protruding from bushes near a golf course in West Palm Beach where Trump was playing.

The Hilton Washington hotel, where Saturday’s incident occurred, was also the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on former US President Ronald Reagan.

Event proceeds despite disruption

Organisersinitially told attendees the dinner would continue before later announcing its postponement.

The White House Correspondents’ Association had invited Trump this year despite his repeated criticism of the media. Unlike previous presidents over the past century, Trump has never attended the dinner while in office.

The event typically brings together journalists and prominent Washington figures to raise funds for scholarships and awards, and usually includes a comedian who comments on the US president, who traditionally also delivers jokes. No comedian was invited this year.