- ■ Officials said President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet members were safely evacuated.
- ▼ The FBI said a 31-year-old California man allegedly tried to breach a security checkpoint with a shotgun and multiple weapons.
- ■ A Secret Service agent was reportedly fired upon but was not injured, and the suspect is in custody.
A security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC triggered an evacuation of senior US officials after reports of gunfire near the event. Authorities said the suspect was taken into custody, while the president, first lady, vice president and Cabinet members were safe.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual media and political event attended by journalists, public officials and guests. For international readers, the significance of the incident lies less in the dinner itself and more in the security response around a high-profile gathering involving the US executive branch.
What Happened at the Security Checkpoint?
According to live reporting from CNN, Trump was safe after the incident, and Trump, Melania Trump and Vance were evacuated. CNN also reported that the alleged shooter was in custody.
Further details cited by CNBC and other outlets indicated that law enforcement responded after loud bangs were heard. A Reuters freelance account cited in the timeline described four to six loud bangs, though not in the immediate vicinity of the dinner.
Officials Say Senior Leaders Are Safe
The FBI said the suspect was a 31-year-old California man who allegedly had a shotgun and multiple weapons and attempted to breach a security checkpoint. Officials also said the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent, who was not injured.
Al Jazeera reported that Trump was evacuated from the dinner, while NPR also covered the security response and evacuation. Officials said all Cabinet members were safe.
What Comes Next?
Trump said the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days. Law enforcement also indicated that charges were forthcoming, with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche referenced in the timeline.
The immediate focus remains on the official investigation and the security review following the attempted breach. Authorities have confirmed the central safety status: Trump and Melania Trump were uninjured, Vance was evacuated, the Secret Service agent was fine, and the suspect remained in custody. Federal authorities are coordinating between the FBI, Secret Service, and the acting Attorney General’s office on the next steps, with the suspect’s alleged weapons and the breach attempt forming the core of the active inquiry. The press corps response and the venue’s security posture are expected to be reviewed before the rescheduled event, while officials weigh whether additional protective measures will accompany the returning timeline.
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