Multiple media outlets, including CNN and Fox News, are reporting that a gunman has been apprehended after President Donald Trump and nearly his entire cabinet were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel on Saturday night.
Fox News reported that just after the dinner started around 8:45 p.m. Eastern Time, a gunman armed with what appeared to be a rifle charged towards a security checkpoint outside the ballroom. At least six shots were fired during the incident, according to a report from CBS News.
The gunman was then neutralized and taken to the ground.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, confirmed that the agency and the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department are investigating a “shooting incident” near the main security screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He further confirmed that a suspect has been “apprehended,” a report that was further confirmed by President Trump.
Fox News’ Sean Hannity reported that at least one Secret Service agent was shot during the incident. The status of that agent is unclear, though Hannity stated that the bullet was stopped by the officer’s chest plate.
Multiple on-hand sources reported that the site of the incident, while an outer security checkpoint with a magnetometer, was a relatively secure area. Screening was required just to get to the checkpoint in question, though the gunman still managed to make his way through, Fox News’ Sean Hannity reported.
“I happened to be a few feet from him as he was shooting. Of course, the first thing that went through my mind, is he trying to shoot me?” said CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, who was just feet away from the gunman.
Footage of the evacuation shows Secret Service agents swarming the stage and immediately evacuating the president, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other senior cabinet officials from the stage. A number of additional congressional leaders were promptly evacuated as well.
The event venue was promptly placed on lockdown, while attendees inside the ballroom remained there. Those outside the ballroom, as well as pedestrians in the surrounding area, were urged to avoid the area.
Around 8:54 p.m. Eastern Time, attendees were informed that President Trump is safe and that the program would resume “momentarily.” Additional details on the incident were not provided.
Fox News reported that President Trump was adamant about resuming the event and addressing attendees, but at 9:23 p.m. Eastern Time, outlet correspondent Trey Yingst reported that the president was not expected to return to the venue tonight. At 9:40 p.m. Eastern Time, a final announcement was given confirming that the event will not be continuing due to the security situation.
President Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference around 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
NEW: EXCLUSIVE images via a @scrippsnews @EWScrippsCo staffer showing the suspected gunman at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner tackled to the ground by Secret Service at the Washington Hilton. pic.twitter.com/IwAy1EPJSb
— Nathaniel Reed (@ReedReports) April 26, 2026
