Actress Urges Rejection of Violent Rhetoric After Shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner

On April 25, 2026, shots were fired near the ballroom at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, first lady Melania Trump, and other officials.

The gunman exchanged fire with Secret Service agents in the lobby before being subdued and taken into custody. Hundreds of attendees ducked under tables or took cover inside the ballroom, and the event was postponed.

Senior federal law enforcement sources reported on April 26, 2026, that the suspect told law enforcement he intended to target Trump administration officials. The suspect rushed a Secret Service checkpoint while armed with multiple weapons and opened fire, striking a Secret Service officer in his ballistic vest.

Agents returned fire and tackled the suspect to the ground. The suspect and the injured officer were transported to a hospital, with the officer expected to make a full recovery and released on April 26, 2026.

The incident is part of a series of threats against President Donald Trump, including two confirmed assassination attempts and a recent armed intruder at Mar-a-Lago. The White House stated on April 26, 2026, that the suspect's brother contacted the New London Police Department in Connecticut prior to the shooting, reporting that the suspect had sent family members a manifesto outlining his intent to target administration officials.

Officials also stated the suspect's social media included anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric. The suspect's sister told investigators in Rockville, Maryland, that her brother had made increasingly radical statements and often spoke about taking action to address world issues.