U.S. President Donald Trump was abruptly removed from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night (April 25) after loud popping sounds believed to be gunshots caused panic inside the venue.
The annual event, held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., had just begun when Secret Service agents reportedly rushed into the ballroom, ordering attendees to “get down” and “stay down” as chaos unfolded. Guests, including journalists, government officials, and high-profile dignitaries, were seen taking cover under tables while security locked down the area.
Trump, alongside First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President J. D. Vance, was swiftly escorted out of the ballroom by agents of the U.S. Secret Service. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was also removed during the emergency response. Initial reports indicated that the incident happened less than 30 minutes after Trump’s arrival.
Authorities have not yet released full details about the source of the gunfire, and as of the latest updates, there were no confirmed reports of injuries. Witnesses described hearing multiple shots near the lobby area, prompting an immediate security lockdown of the hotel.
According to reports, authorities have arrested a man accused of firing several gunshots in what appears to have been an attempt on the life of the U.S. President.
This marked Trump’s first attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as president after years of boycotting the event, making the dramatic interruption even more significant. The White House and Secret Service are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue.
