Trump Holds Press Conference After Shooting Disrupts White House Correspondents' Dinner

Sedang Trending 1 jam yang lalu

April 26, 2026 | 10:08 am

Donald Trump. Doc. White House

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President of the United States (US) Donald Trump held a late-night press conference after a shooting incident forced the evacuation of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

According to a report by CBS News, gunshots were heard shortly after 8:30 p.m. local time outside the Washington Hilton ballroom, where Trump had been preparing to deliver remarks. Secret Service agents immediately escorted Trump and First Lady Melania Trump off the stage as panic spread among attendees.

Hundreds of guests ducked under tables after hearing what witnesses described as five to eight gunshots. Some attendees shouted warnings, while others began chanting “God Bless America” as security forces secured the area. Trump briefly stumbled while being escorted but was quickly assisted by agents, as reported by PBS.

Shortly after being evacuated, Trump addressed the public from the White House, confirming that he was unharmed and that key officials were safe. He said one Secret Service agent had been struck by a bullet but was protected by a bulletproof vest.

“The vest did the job,” Trump said, adding that he had spoken directly with the agent, who remained in good condition.

In his press conference, Trump condemned the attack and praised the swift response of security personnel. He also stated that he had ordered the release of footage showing the incident and the response by law enforcement, describing the attacker as someone who had “attacked the Constitution.”

Authorities confirmed that a suspect was in custody and hospitalized. Two sources cited by CBS News said the individual was armed with both a shotgun and a handgun. A law enforcement official also confirmed that a shooter had opened fire, though further details about the motive were not immediately available.

The annual dinner, which gathers top political figures, journalists, and celebrities, was immediately halted. Members of the National Guard secured the venue as attendees were evacuated and prevented from re-entering while investigators examined the scene.

Among those present were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump said he initially wanted the event to continue but ultimately agreed to cancel it following recommendations from law enforcement. He added that the dinner would be rescheduled within the next 30 days.

“This was an event dedicated to freedom of speech,” Trump said during the press conference as quoted by the CBS News, noting that despite the incident, the situation brought a sense of unity among those present.

Security remained tight around the hotel following the incident, with helicopters circling overhead and law enforcement flooding the area. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting.

Read: Trump Escorted Out After Shots at White House Correspondents' Dinner

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News


Trump Escorted Out After Shots at White House Correspondents' Dinner

1 jam lalu

Trump Escorted Out After Shots at White House Correspondents' Dinner

Donald Trump was reported safe after a security incident disrupted the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington DC.


US Official: Just One Recipient of Trump's 'Gold Card' Visa

21 jam lalu

US Official: Just One Recipient of Trump's 'Gold Card' Visa

U.S. Commerce Secretary admits only one person granted Trump's 'gold card' visa program.


Trump Says No Nuclear Weapons to Be Used Against Iran

1 hari lalu

Trump Says No Nuclear Weapons to Be Used Against Iran

President Donald Trump clarifies his stance on nuclear weapons against Iran, stating they should "never be used."


Italy Slams 'Shameful' US Proposal to Replace Iran at World Cup

1 hari lalu

Italy Slams 'Shameful' US Proposal to Replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects the United States President's special envoy's request to replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup.


Ceasefire Extended: What's Next in the Iran War?

2 hari lalu

Ceasefire Extended: What's Next in the Iran War?

With no fixed ceasefire deadline for now, the US and Iran are looking for ways to safeguard their own interests.


Trump Says Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended by Three Weeks

2 hari lalu

Trump Says Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended by Three Weeks

US President Donald Trump's remark came after Israel struck southern Lebanon and militants Hezbollah fired at northern Israel on Thursday.


Jakarta Students Rally in Support of Pope Leo XIV at US Embassy

2 hari lalu

Jakarta Students Rally in Support of Pope Leo XIV at US Embassy

A group of students expresses their solidarity with Pope Leo XIV in response to Donald Trump's remarks about the war with Iran.


Pentagon Announces Sudden Exit of US Navy Secretary John Phelan

2 hari lalu

Pentagon Announces Sudden Exit of US Navy Secretary John Phelan

Pentagon announces the surprising departure of US Navy Secretary John Phelan on Wednesday without mentioning the reason.


Trump Says Middle East 'Much Better Allies' Than NATO

3 hari lalu

Trump Says Middle East 'Much Better Allies' Than NATO

US and NATO's relations fractured over the Iran war. Trump hailed Middle East countries as better allies than the European group.


Trump Extends Ceasefire With Iran, Delays Military Attack

4 hari lalu

Trump Extends Ceasefire With Iran, Delays Military Attack

President Trump says US attack will be postponed until Iranian leaders 'present a comprehensive proposal' to end the war.