The White House correspondents' dinner on Saturday night was disrupted by gunfire, leading to the immediate evacuation of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Hundreds of guests, including senior government officials and journalists at the Washington Hilton ballroom, sought cover under tables as Secret Service agents drew their weapons and rushed White House pool reporters out of the room, citing 'shots fired.'
Details of the Incident
Jeff Carroll, interim chief of police for the Metropolitan Police Department, reported that a suspect 'charged a US Secret Service checkpoint' at the Washington Hilton, armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. He described the suspect as a 'lone' gunman. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the suspect was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, stating, 'We have no reason to believe at this time that anyone else was involved.'
Legal and Investigative Developments
Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for the District of Columbia, announced that the defendant has been charged with felony firearms and assault. A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that an officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest but is expected to recover. Carroll noted the investigation is preliminary, but investigators believe the suspect did fire a shot. The suspect was not shot by authorities.
Trump's Response
President Trump rescheduled the dinner, posting on Truth Social later that evening: 'The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.'
Eyewitness Account
CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, who was within a few feet of the shooter, called into CNN to describe his experience. 'I saw a very, very serious weapon. He starts shooting, and I happened to have been a few feet away from him. As he was shooting, of course, the first thing that went through my mind: is he trying to shoot me? And I don't think he was trying to shoot me, but I was very close to him as the gunshots were fired and he was very, very scary. But I'm OK, now,' Blitzer said.
