In the early hours of Sunday morning, President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the White House press briefing room after a shooting disrupted the Annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, held Saturday night at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. Trump called on Americans to "bridge their divides."
Both President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were swiftly evacuated from the stage following the gunfire, as confirmed by Trump himself during the press conference.
During his remarks, Trump referenced two previous assassination attempts against him to provide context for the latest attack: "As you know, this isn't the first time in recent years that our republic has faced an attack from a would-be assassin. In Butler, Pennsylvania, less than two years ago, everyone knows that story, and in Palm Beach, Florida, just a few months later, we came very close, indeed."
The president emphasized the bipartisan condemnation of the incident and highlighted the sense of unity he felt among attendees: "Yet, everyone in that room... there was an overwhelming amount of love and unity."
Incident Details and Response
The shooter fired at least six times in the hotel lobby with what CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer, who witnessed the event, described as "a very serious weapon," from just a few meters away.
The Secret Service neutralized and arrested the attacker in the lobby before he could reach the main ballroom, where approximately 2,600 people, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, were present.
One Secret Service agent was injured, but their protective gear prevented serious harm. No fatalities or injuries were reported among the guests.
Moments after the incident, Trump posted on Truth Social that the shooter had been "apprehended" and praised the security forces for acting "quickly and bravely."
Historical Context of the Event
It was the first time Trump attended the Correspondents' Dinner as the sitting president; he had boycotted the event throughout his first term from 2017 to 2021, as well as in 2025.
Saturday's shooting marks the third attack or attempted attack on Trump in less than two years, following the July 13, 2024, incident in Butler, Pennsylvania—where a bullet grazed his right ear, and a bystander was killed—and the September 15, 2024, incident in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Secret Service agents stopped an armed man near the then-candidate's golf club.
Trump concluded his press conference with an unusual gesture of acknowledgment toward the media: "You have been very responsible in your coverage."
The president of the White House Correspondents' Association announced that the event would be rescheduled within 30 days.
Understanding the Impact of the White House Correspondents' Dinner Incident
What prompted President Trump to call for unity among Americans?
Following the shooting at the Correspondents' Dinner, President Trump urged Americans to bridge their divides, emphasizing the bipartisan condemnation of the incident and the unity felt among attendees.
How many attempts on Trump's life have occurred in recent years?
There have been three attempts or attacks against Trump in less than two years, including incidents in Butler, Pennsylvania, and West Palm Beach, Florida, prior to the recent shooting.
How did Trump react on social media after the shooting?
Trump took to Truth Social to inform the public that the shooter had been apprehended and commended the security forces for their swift and courageous response.