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Live updates: President Trump, first lady safe after shooting outside White House Correspondents' Dinner

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were among those evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner after reports of shots fired during the event. 

The U.S. Secret Service confirmed one person is in custody after the incident at the Washington Hilton. Footage from the scene showed authorities swarming into the hall after the apparent gun shots as the hundreds of journalists and officials in attendance ducked under tables.

A "God Bless America" chant could be heard from a corner of the room as Trump was being escorted off the stage. He fell briefly and was helped up by Secret Service agents.

WHCA President Weija Jiang said the event Saturday night will be postponed. She read a statement from the president saying that no one was hurt and everyone was safe. 

A screen grab taken from a video filmed by an AFP reporter shows armed agents climbing over chairs as they move to the stage after loud bangs were heard during the White House Correspondents' dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, on Apri

Here's the latest:

 

Image of suspect released

10:32 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump released a picture of the suspect who allegedly opened fire at the WHCA dinner on Saturday. The photograph showed the man lying on the ground with several officers over him.

The name of the suspect has not been released. Trump indicated the man lives in California and investigators were already searching his home.

President Donald Trump released an image showing the man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Via Truth Social)

Law enforcement officers shot, expected to be okay

10:16 p.m. ET - A law enforcement officer was shot in the bullet-resistant vest and is expected to be okay, the Associated Press reported, citing a law-enforcement officer.

Suspect in custody after shots fired incident

9:45 p.m. ET - The U.S. Secret Service provided an update on the gunfire that rang out during the WHCA dinner. 

Federal agents working with the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating after shots were fired near the main magnetometer screening, USSS Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X.

The agency confirmed that one person is in custody and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation. 

WHCA Dinner called off after shots fired incident

9:42 p.m. ET - Jiang returned to the stage to announce the event Saturday night will be postponed, citing law enforcement protocol requiring them to leave the grounds.

Prior to her announcement, she read a statement from the president saying that no one was hurt and everyone was safe. 

WHCA Dinner called off after shots fired incident

9:42 p.m. ET - President Trump posted onto Truth Social that he, the first lady, the vice president, and all cabinet members are "in perfect condition." 

Trump said that law enforcement asked that everyone leave the premises, per their protocol.

The president added that he spoke with everyone who runs the event and they will be rescheduling it within 30 days.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: U.S. Vice President JD Vance is escorted after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. According to reports, President Donald Trump, along with other governm

"LET THE SHOW GO ON" Trump issues statement

9:30 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump posted a statement onto Truth Social after being evacuated from the dinner. In the post, Trump commended the Secret Service and law enforcement for their reaction, saying, "They acted bravely."

Full Statement:

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. 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. President DONALD J. TRUMP

Agents draw their guns after loud bangs were heard during the White House Correspondents' dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2026. Shots were allegedly fired as US President Donald Trump attended a press dinner in Washing

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro post from dinner

U.S. Attoney Jeanine Pirro posted a video on Instagram from the hotel.

Trump, other top leaders uninjured 

9:05 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump was not injured in an incident that led to him, First Lady Melania Trump, and other top leaders to be evacuated from the dinner.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: U.S. Vice President JD Vance is escorted after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. According to reports, President Donald Trump, along with other governm

Shooter opened fire: official said 

9:00 p.m. ET - A law enforcement official said a shooter opened fire during the dinner. There does not appear to be any injuries, the Associated Press reported.

Scene from White House Correspondents Dinner after President Trump and other officials were evacuated. (LiveNow)

WHCA Dinner to restart soon

8:55 p.m. ET - White House Correspondents’ Association President Weija Jiang spoke after the incident to say that the dinner would resume. She indicated that it was expected to start soon. 

Scene from White House Correspondents Dinner after President Trump and other officials were evacuated. (LiveNow)

WHCA Dinner Evacuated

8:30 p.m. ET - Prior to the incident, the Trumps, Vance, and everyone could be seen enjoying their event as usual when cracking sounds were heard from off-camera. Another angle showed a person being chased through the room. 

Secret Service rushed into the hall as guests in the banquet hall ducked under their tables. "Out of the way, sir!" someone yelled. While others yelled to duck.

Law enforcement officers surround Robert F. Kennedy Jr., US secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines following reports of a shooting during the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner in Washingto

Top officials at WHCA dinner

8:30 p.m. ET - Some of the top members of the Trump administration were on hand for the WHCA dinner. 

In addition to the president, first lady, and vice president, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., were among the top officials in attendance.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

The Source: Information for this article was taken from the Assocaited Press. This story was reported from Orlando.

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