Trump later said he would give a press conference from the White House press briefing room. The press conference is set to take place shortly after 10 p.m. (0200 GMT), Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding: “The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 26, 2026
The update came after a security scare forced Trump and other senior officials to be evacuated from the venue earlier in the evening.
BREAKING: Trump will be returning to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after he and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the Washington Hilton ballroom. pic.twitter.com/TQ3Uw4qdzC
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 26, 2026
Witnesses reported loud bangs inside the banquet hall, triggering panic among guests, many of whom ducked under tables as security personnel moved in. The Secret Service and other agencies quickly secured the area.
BREAKING: Trump will be returning to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after he and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the Washington Hilton ballroom. pic.twitter.com/TQ3Uw4qdzC
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 26, 2026
Hello from backstage.
We’re in a hold behind the stage right now. Staff are going out to reset the head table.
POTUS never left and is down the hall from me. He wants the show to go on.
We’re told by his detail someone tried to get through the mags with a gun. The counter…
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) April 26, 2026
An AFP report said shots were fired during the event, prompting a heavy police response at the Washington Hilton, with tactical teams taking positions inside the venue. The suspected shooter was taken into custody, according to pool reports cited by AFP.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The incident took place during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, a high-profile gathering of journalists, political leaders and public figures.
First Published: Apr 26, 2026 7:29 AM IST
