President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage at the Washington Hilton after a man opened fire during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where about 2,600 guests were dining. Secret Service agents detained a suspect who ran past a security checkpoint; one officer was treated for a close-range wound that officials said did not appear serious.

Shooting at Washington gala and immediate response

Armed Secret Service officers pulled Mr Trump from the stage after a man ran past a security screening and opened fire near the Washington Hilton's ballroom. Tactical teams with rifles moved onto the stage. Police swarmed the hotel and helicopters hovered overhead as guests — about 2,600 in total — took cover while staff and waiters fled to the front of the dining hall.

Mr Trump said the suspect had been "taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service," and added officials "seem to think he was a lone wolf." Federal prosecutors said the suspect will face federal charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Authorities detained the man at the scene and were conducting interviews.

Where and when it happened

  • Event: White House Correspondents' Dinner, held annually at the Washington Hilton.
  • Timing: The shooting occurred after the welcome address and during the meal, before Mr Trump was due to speak.
  • Attendees: About 2,600 people were present; the timing briefly left attendees exposed while security established control.

Casualty and suspect details

Officials reported one officer was shot at close range but appeared not to have sustained a serious injury; Mr Trump said the officer was "in good shape." The suspect was taken into custody at the hotel and investigators were reviewing the scene and the suspect's statements. Law-enforcement sources cited by US media said the man told officers he wanted to shoot Trump administration officials.

Security questions and context

The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of presidential security after previous breaches. In 2024 Mr Trump was grazed by a bullet at a campaign rally, and Thursday night’s breach at a major public event has focused attention on screening and crowd-management at indoor gatherings. Security experts point to screening gaps at large events—where guests mix with staff, press and contractors—as a common vulnerability. Investigators continue to review the checkpoint breach and the suspect's movements.

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"A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and he was taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service," Mr Trump said. Federal prosecutors said the suspect will face federal charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer; investigators continue to question him.

This article was created with AI assistance.