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Amid the chaos at the White House dinner, videos circulated widely showing Michael Glantz calmly eating, even as others took cover.
Michael Glantz explains reason behind calm reaction during White House dinner.A man who went viral for remaining seated and continuing to eat his burrata salad during a security scare at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner has now been identified as Michael Glantz, a senior agent at Creative Artists Agency.
What happened at the Washington Hilton that night?
The incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton, where guests, including Donald Trump, JD Vance, and senior Cabinet members, were swiftly evacuated after gunshots were reported when an armed individual breached the venue.
Amid the chaos, videos circulated widely showing Glantz calmly eating, even as others took cover.
Why did Michael Glantz remain seated?
Speaking to The New York Times, Glantz explained his reaction: "I’m a New Yorker," he told the Times. “We live with sirens and activity happening all the time. I wasn’t scared. There are hundreds of Secret Service agents hurtling themselves over tables and chairs, and I wanted to watch.”
He also addressed criticism over his decision not to take cover: “A lot of people said, ‘Why didn’t you get on the floor? Everybody else at your table and in the room was on the floor,’”
Glantz cited personal reasons for staying put:
“First of all, I have a bad back. I couldn’t get on the floor, and if I did get on the floor, they’d have to bring in people to get me off the floor. And No. 2, I’m a hygiene freak. There was no freaking way I was getting in my new tux on the dirty Hilton floor. It was not happening.”
How did prominent figures react to the viral moment?
Journalist Christiane Amanpour confirmed Glantz’s identity on social media, describing him as her agent and praising his composure.
She wrote: “Calm, collected and carrying on in a scary crisis, my super cool agent Michael Glantz. So glad everyone made it safely out of that ballroom.” She later added that Glantz also represents Wolf Blitzer.
Meanwhile, Brian Stelter also identified him online, noting: "CAA super-agent Michael Glantz is the man eating his salad in this viral video,"
Who is the suspect in the shooting incident?
Authorities have taken a suspect, identified as Cole Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, into custody. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the shooting.
The incident revived memories of the Attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, which also took place at the same hotel, adding to the shock surrounding the event.
In the message, he referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and alluded to grievances related to actions of the Trump administration.
Officials are also reviewing social media activity and conducting interviews with relatives as part of the ongoing investigation.
About the Author
Kanishka Singharia
Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.
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