The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton, where the annual event was being held. According to the White House press pool, the group of journalists that follows the president, Trump was still inside the venue as of 8:56 p.m., indicating he had not yet departed when the shooting took place. Shortly afterward, a source confirmed to CNN that the president was safe. Administration officials also stated that Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet members attending the dinner were unharmed.
Secret Service agents acted within seconds, quickly removing Trump from the stage and securing the area. Law enforcement authorities detained the suspected gunman at the scene, though details about the suspect and motive have not yet been publicly disclosed.
A number of high-profile officials were present at the dinner, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Witnesses described a chaotic moment as the situation unfolded. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, who was attending the event, said he was near a stairwell when the shots were fired. He reported seeing the suspect on the ground shortly after the incident.
Republican Representative Nancy Mace issued a statement expressing concern and support, saying she was praying for the safety of those in attendance. Early reports indicated the suspect had been apprehended, and there was speculation that the event might resume once authorities secured the scene.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was also present but left the venue safely, according to his aide.
Separately, the Department of Justice announced changes to federal execution procedures. A memo outlined plans to reinstate lethal injection protocols used during Trump’s first administration and expand methods to include options such as pentobarbital and firing squads. Officials said the changes are intended to ensure that capital sentences are carried out once all appeals are completed, while also streamlining the process for death penalty cases.
