Video: Trump, Melania flee Ballroom as gunman attacks checkpoint
Abdullateef Fowewe
A dramatic security breach disrupted the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, as an armed suspect charged a Secret Service checkpoint, sparking panic and a rapid evacuation of President Donald Trump and top officials.
Footage circulating online captures the chaos inside the ballroom: agents rush Trump and guests from their table amid screams and frantic movement.
The late April 25 incident began when the suspect, armed with guns and knives, rushed the perimeter.
Agents fired shots, swiftly shielding and escorting out Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several cabinet members.
The gala was canceled on the spot; the lone suspect was taken into custody with no further injuries to attendees.
One Secret Service agent took a bullet but was saved by his vest and remains stable, Dailyeconomy gathered.
Trump released security footage afterward, praising the “lightning-fast response” of law enforcement: “Great job by our brave agents—America is safe tonight.”
Clips also show Secretary of State Marco Rubio and VP Vance ducking or being hustled to safety, igniting viral buzz.
