A security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night sparked panic at the Washington Hilton hotel, forcing the evacuation of President Donald Trump and the postponement of the event.
The disruption occurred at 8:36 p.m. in the hotel’s ballroom, where guests, including members of the press and political figures, were forced to dive under tables as cries of “Get down!” echoed through the room.
Secret Service agents responded quickly, wielding weapons to secure the area. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed away from the dais before guests could determine the nature of the threat.
- Location: Washington Hilton hotel ballroom and lobby.
- The Breach: An assailant armed with guns and knives rushed a Secret Service checkpoint in the hotel lobby.
- Casualties: One officer was shot but protected by a bulletproof vest.
Security Breach at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner
The assailant was apprehended after breaching the lobby checkpoint. While the danger was contained outside the main ballroom, the sound of gunfire was heard by multiple witnesses, with reports of four to five shots fired.
Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland reported being thrown to the ground by the Secret Service during the chaos. Raskin described the atmosphere as one of terror and screaming before the danger passed.
Frank Luntz, a consultant and pollster, expressed concern over the incident, citing a broader trend of political hostility and threatening behavior within the U.S. body politic.
Presidential Response and Aftermath
Following the evacuation, President Trump returned to the White House to hold a briefing for reporters. During the session, he used the security lapse to advocate for expanded facilities at the White House, specifically stating the need for a ballroom.
When asked by Fox News’ Peter Doocy why such incidents continue to target him, the president referenced Abraham Lincoln. He stated that those who make the biggest impact are the ones who are targeted.
The event highlights a continuing trend of political violence in the United States. Recent years have seen various high-profile attacks, including the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and killings of political figures such as former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and activist Charlie Kirk.
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