Shooting Incident Reported Near White House Correspondents’ Dinner Venue

A shooting took place outside the main ballroom at the Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an annual event attended by journalists, government officials, and other guests. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer was exiting a men’s restroom on an upper floor near the security screening area when he observed a man with a weapon.

Blitzer reported hearing loud gunshots nearby, after which a police officer pushed him to the ground for protection. He and about 15 other individuals sheltered in the restroom.

stated that the gunman was a few feet away when the shooting began. He described seeing the gunman on the ground, still firing, before police secured him. S. Secret Service reported that one person is in custody following the incident near the screening area.

A Secret Service officer was shot during the event, with the bullet striking their protective gear, according to three sources. The officer was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

The president and members of his Cabinet, including Vice President JD Vance, were present in the ballroom and were escorted offstage and from the venue. The president wrote on Truth Social that Secret Service and law enforcement acted quickly and apprehended the shooter.

The president initially expressed hope that the event would continue but returned to the White House at the request of law enforcement. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner will be rescheduled. The incident occurred on an upper floor outside the ballroom, in an area with restrooms and security screening.

No additional injuries were reported in the available information.