Shooter Stopped After Gunfire in Washington Hilton Lobby Outside White House Correspondent’s Dinner

Active scenes immediately around time of shots fired at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner (USA Today). YouTube Tips ⓘ

Police and firefighter/paramedics from Washington D.C. responded Saturday evening approximately 8:40 p.m. EDT, April 25, 2026 after a shooter fired one shot at a uniformed service officer or secret service officer in the Washington Hilton hotel. Initially there was no clarity on the source of the multiple shots, whether there was return fire, or whether all shots were fired by the shooter. Some reporters on scene incorrectly reported as breaking news that the shooter was shot and killed.

Initially it was unknown whether the shooter was killed, but by about 9:45 p.m. EDT there was information that the shooter was being interrogated by the FBI. An image on X purportedly showed the shooter face down with wrist restraints. Later two images on Donald Trump’s account on Truth Social showed the shooter face down via two slightly different angles.

Initially, no direct gunshot injuries were reported. However, a uniformed Secret Service agent was struck by a bullet, which was stopped by a bullet-proof vest.

A witness heard four rapid gunshots. A video captured the sound six gunshots as Trump was seated.

Members of the media immediately took cover, and were hiding under tables and chairs in the dining area/ballroom.

In attendance were members of the President Trump, the First Lady, the Vice President, and other members of the Administration, including the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Homeland Security, among many others.

President Trump was rushed to safety, but there were about eight seconds passed before Secret Service agents surrounded the president. Other members of the cabinet were also rushed out of the ballroom.

There was an announcement in the ballroom that the program would continue, but about 30 minutes later the event was canceled (cancellation announcement about 9:40 p.m. EDT).

DEVELOPING …

The information in this article is an early report published before any summary information was confirmed or released by police or fire authorities.

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