Gunfire broke out at the Washington Hilton during a White House Correspondents’ Association reception attended by US President Donald Trump. An armed man opened fire in the middle of the event.
Associated Press and CNN reported the incident.
Details of the incident
Shots rang out in the hotel’s ballroom during an official dinner with journalists. Witnesses said agents from the United States Secret Service rushed into the hall with weapons drawn and began evacuating attendees. Guests took cover under tables as security forces moved to secure the scene.
According to media reports, the attacker carried pistols and knives. He shot a security officer in the body armor. Medics hospitalized the officer, and doctors described his condition as stable.
Those evacuated included Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with other officials.
Police detained the suspect, a 31-year-old California resident, at the scene. Prosecutors plan to charge him with firearms offenses and assault on a federal officer.
Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said investigators continue ballistic tests and witness interviews. Organizers postponed the event for about a month.
Context
This is not the first threat involving Donald Trump. During an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024, at a campaign rally, he suffered an ear injury in a shooting. One person died, several others were injured, and Secret Service agents killed the attacker.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Trump’s aides have urged him to limit interviews and public statements following controversial remarks that have undermined confidence in the White House.
