Gunman opens fire at White House Correspondents’ Dinner as Trump and Melania rushed out and guests dive under tables for cover | 25 April 2026 | President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after a shooter opened fire. D.C.’s biggest night of the year was plunged into chaos after shots rang out in the lobby of the Washington Hilton at around 8.15pm. The president and First Lady were immediately taken to safety followed by members of the cabinet. The glitzy event was barely underway when a suspect armed with a “major weapon” stormed the hotel lobby. Thousands of guests were forced to dive under tables and chairs after Secret Service agents stormed the ballroom instructing everyone to take cover. A Secret Service agent was shot but he was wearing a protective vest a source familiar with the matter told The Daily Mail.