Story perspectives

Shooting Forces White House Dinner Evacuation, Rescheduled in 30 Days

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

A shooting forced President Donald Trump, first lady and officials to evacuate the White House Correspondents' Dinner and led to the suspect's arrest.
Secret Service said gunfire near the main magnetometer hit an officer in a vest, who will recover.
President Trump posted on Truth Social praising Secret Service and urging dinner to continue, while White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang announced it will be rescheduled in 30 days.

History

Historical Context

The February 2024 gunfire aimed at former President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner revived concerns first highlighted by the April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. That attack, which killed 168 people and spurred over $600 million in federal-building security upgrades—including permanent barriers and set-back requirements—prompted the Secret Service to accelerate protective-protocol revisions.

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Story summary

A shooting forced President Donald Trump, first lady and officials to evacuate the White House Correspondents' Dinner and led to the suspect's arrest.
Secret Service said gunfire near the main magnetometer hit an officer in a vest, who will recover.
President Trump posted on Truth Social praising Secret Service and urging dinner to continue, while White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang announced it will be rescheduled in 30 days.

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