A man armed with a shotgun and knives was apprehended at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington on Saturday night after attempting to breach a security checkpoint.
The incident unfolded as the annual gala was beginning at the Washington Hilton. The event, typically marked by political satire and networking among media and government officials, erupted into chaos as attendees were evacuated.
According to DC Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll, the suspect was identified as a lone actor believed to be a hotel guest. Carroll said the man charged toward a security checkpoint in an attempt to reach the President’s location.
What Happened
The suspect was found shirtless and pinned to the floor by Secret Service agents in the hotel lobby, armed with a shotgun and multiple knives. One Secret Service agent was shot during the confrontation at close range.
Police secured the suspect and launched an investigation into his motive. Authorities said they were searching the suspect’s residence in California as part of the ongoing investigation.
The President stated that law enforcement responded “very quickly” and did a “fantastic job” in neutralizing the threat before it could escalate inside the ballroom.
The Response
Organizers initially considered continuing with the evening’s programming, with the President indicating he had “fought like hell” to proceed. However, officials ultimately decided to reschedule the dinner within 30 days.
The President reflected on the response from attendees, noting a sense of unity between journalists and politicians during the evacuation. He expressed pride in how guests handled the crisis despite the trauma of the evacuation.
What This Means
The incident marks one of the most significant security breaches at a high-profile political gathering in recent Washington history. Officials said they would conduct an immediate review of safety protocols at the venue.
The investigation into the suspect’s background and motive remains ongoing, with law enforcement treating the case as involving a lone actor with no broader threat to the public.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
