Watch | Donald Trump, Melania Evacuated From White House Dinner After Gunshots Were Fired

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 07:53 IST

Secret Service agents acted swiftly, escorting the President and the First Lady out of the venue as panic spread among guests

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rescued after loud, unidentified bangs were heard during White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night, prompting a major security response.

Secret Service agents acted swiftly, escorting the President and the First Lady out of the venue as panic spread among guests. Dinner attendees stopped talking after the noise echoed through the ballroom, and people were heard screaming, “Get down, get down!"

A visual, accessed by news agency ANI, showed President Trump being escorted out of the ballroom by security forces as the noises triggered panic across.

Watch

According to a White House aide, a freelance photographer reported hearing four to six loud bangs inside the hotel. Initial media reports suggested the presence of a gunman, prompting a swift response by secret service agents.

Top cabinet members were safely rescued out of the venue one by one as the security took over.

Shooter Taken Into Custody

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump confirmed that the alleged shooter had been taken into custody.

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON" but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement", Trump said on social media.

Without disclosing details, the President said the authorities will take a decision on the matter. “They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again."

What The U.S. Secret Service Said

The U.S. Secret Service said the matter is under investigation, adding the President and the First Lady are safe.

“The U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ dinner," the statement read.

“One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not known yet, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation", it added.

News world Watch | Donald Trump, Melania Evacuated From White House Dinner After Gunshots Were Fired

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