U.S. President Donald Trump, with first lady Melania Trump, salutes during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 25, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday night after a shooter was reportedly killed by Secret Service at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, praising law enforcement and suggesting the event continue.
"Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely," Trump wrote, saying the shooter had been "apprehended." Multiple reports had indicated the shooter was shot dead by Secret Service agents in the hotel lobby. The FBI later confirmed a subject was taken into custody.
Trump said he had recommended the dinner continue — "Let the Show Go On" — but deferred to law enforcement on the final call. "Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again."
The shooting erupted as dinner was being served at the Washington Hilton ballroom. Trump, Melania, Vice President JD Vance and multiple cabinet members were evacuated. CNN confirmed Trump and Vance were uninjured. Agents were heard yelling "shots fired" as Secret Service swarmed the hall and guests dove under tables.
CNN's Brian Stelter said mentalist Oz Pearlman was speaking directly with Trump at his table when the commotion erupted. CNN's Kaitlan Collins reported the dinner was in "total state of chaos" and said she had "never seen anything like this." One journalist told C-SPAN she instinctively dove under a table after hearing yelling, while eyewitnesses reported Secret Service agents running across tables.
The shooter's identity and motive remain unconfirmed.