Published: April 26, 2026 09:55
Last updated: April 26, 2026 11:20
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The attacker was arrested before being able to enter the room where the White House correspondents’ dinner was taking place.
Panic scenes at the heart of American power. An armed man tried to enter the White House correspondents’ gala on Saturday evening, April 25 in Washington. The assailant was arrested before being able to enter the room where the dinner was held. Gunshots were exchanged, according to the police. A law enforcement officer was shot at but was protected by his bulletproof vest. US Secret Service agents evacuated President Donald Trump, who was in the room.
“This is not the first time in recent years that our Republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin looking to kill,” said Donald Trump, still in a tuxedo, during a press conference at the White House about two hours after the incident. The US President believed that the assailant, whose identity had not been officially revealed, was a “lone wolf” and a “crazy person.” “I believe he lives in California,” and authorities went to his residence, he added. Facing him were journalists in bow ties and evening gowns who, like him, had attended this annual dinner bringing together the political and media elite in Washington.
The presumed shooter will appear in court on Monday, as announced by US authorities in a press conference. He will be charged with two counts: the first for the use of a firearm in a violent crime, and the second for assaulting a federal agent with a dangerous weapon, stated the capital’s prosecutor, Jeanine Pirro.
