Gunman Charges Washington Gala Dinner; Trump Evacuated, Suspect Detained

WASHINGTON -- A gunman charged through security at a gala dinner attended by President Donald Trump, prompting brief panic as security agents tackled the man and rushed Trump from the hotel ballroom.

Police said a 31-year-old California man had been taken into custody late on April 25 after he fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a checkpoint in the Washington Hilton hotel before being tackled and arrested.

Secret Service agents rushed Trump from the stage as armed police rushed onto the stage. Guests in tuxedoes and gowns were seen ducking under tables amid widespread confusion.

The man was believed to have been targeting Trump and other administration officials who were at the black-tie event, along with scores of Washington journalists, business leaders, and other political figures, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said.

"It does appear that he, he did, in fact, have set ‌out to target folks that work in the administration, likely including the president," Blanche told NBC News.

Shouts Of 'Shots Fired'

The incident unfolded shortly before Trump was scheduled to deliver his keynote speech at the White House Correspondents' Association gala, a staple of Washington’s political and media calendar.

There were multiple loud bangs followed by shouts of “shots fired,” which triggered momentary panic across the ballroom. As police sealed off the hotel, helicopters hovered overhead while tactical units blocked off surrounding streets.

In a late-night briefing at the White House, Trump -- still dressed in his tuxedo -- said the suspect had been armed with multiple weapons and that at least one law-enforcement officer was shot but protected by a bulletproof vest.

No shots were fired at the gunman who got through two checkpoints before being brought down.

Washington interim police chief Jeffery Carroll told reporters the man was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives, and was not known to city police.

“He was shot from a very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” Trump said, describing the officer’s condition as stable and in “great spirits.”

Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi later said the officer had been released from the hospital.

In his interview with NBC News, Blanche said the man traveled from California to Chicago, then to Washington where he checked in as a guest at the Washington Hilton.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials said the investigation is ongoing, with federal agents conducting witness interviews and searching the suspect’s residence, south of Los Angeles.

Trump said authorities believe the suspect was a “lone wolf” and that there was no immediate indication of a broader conspiracy or foreign link.

The man was due to be arraigned in court on April 27 on firearm and assault charges, officials said.

The shooting adds to growing concerns about political violence in the United States. Trump has previously survived at least one assassination attempt: at a 2024 campaign rally shooting in Pennsylvania.

 
Gunman Charges Washington Gala Dinner; Trump Evacuated, Suspect Detained

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