Footage from inside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel captures the tense moments when Secret Service agents stormed the venue, urging attendees to take cover during a shooting that disrupted the 105th Annual White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, April 25, in Washington D.C.
The video reveals how swiftly the agents moved through the tables, instructing those present to duck down. Among those taking cover were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, who were seated together before being safely evacuated along with nearly all attendees.
Journalist Steven Nelson from the New York Post shared the video on X, detailing the scene: "Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, along with nearly everyone present, ducked down before being evacuated."
Witnesses positioned at the rear of the ballroom reported hearing what sounded like four gunshots before the agents burst into the ballroom. Some mentioned detecting the scent of gunpowder in that area of the venue.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, as approximately 2,600 guests were dining in the main hall. An armed individual entered the building's lobby, near the metal detectors, and opened fire before he could access the interior.
The suspect, identified as a 31-year-old teacher from Torrance, California, was carrying a shotgun, a pistol, and several knives. He was swiftly subdued and apprehended by the Secret Service before reaching the area where officials and journalists were gathered.
A Secret Service agent was injured in the confrontation, with a bullet hitting his bulletproof vest. He was hospitalized but is expected to recover without serious injury.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the stage within seconds. At 9:17 p.m., Trump posted on Truth Social: "The shooter has been apprehended."
In a press briefing early Sunday morning from the White House, Trump recounted the events: "A man charged a checkpoint with multiple weapons and was neutralized," praising the Secret Service's response.
Other officials evacuated included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, attending as NBC's guest, took shelter under a table and later shared a video on Facebook describing her experience.
The FBI raided the suspect's home in Torrance that same night, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced imminent charges of shooting, illegal possession of weapons, and assault on an officer. This episode marks the third major attack or threat near Trump since 2024, with the most severe being the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
Details on the Washington Shooting Incident
What happened at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner?
A shooting occurred when an armed man entered the lobby, leading to a swift response by the Secret Service, who protected attendees and evacuated key officials.
Who was involved in the evacuation during the shooting?
Key figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin were among those evacuated.
How did President Trump respond to the incident?
President Trump praised the Secret Service's rapid response and confirmed the apprehension of the shooter via a post on Truth Social.