Story perspectives

Shots Fired at Hilton Dinner; Trump, Vance Evacuated

4/26/2026

Center

Trump Evacuated

Secret Service agents shouted “shots fired” and “stay down” while guests hid behind chairs and under tables.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were evacuated from dinner in Washington when shots fired outside the ballroom.
The shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. during the black-tie dinner at the Hilton Hotel.
Cabinet members were also rushed out of the ballroom by Secret Service agents.

Left

Trump Evacuated

Democratic strategists and pundits said President Donald Trump was exploiting the shooting to advance his $400 million White House ballroom plan.
U.S. President Donald Trump and cabinet members were evacuated from the Washington Hilton ballroom after a gunman opened fire.
The shooter, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, entered armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives.
Officials said the ballroom checkpoint prevented casualties and spurred an investigation into the weapons breach.

History

Historical Context

After John Hinckley Jr. fired six bullets at President Ronald Reagan in the Washington Hilton on March 30 1981—a breach that prompted Secret Service protocol upgrades and spurred James Brady’s gun-control advocacy—the same hotel faced a gunfire incident in 2024 when President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were evacuated. The 1981 reforms shape today’s response.

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Trump Evacuated

Secret Service agents shouted “shots fired” and “stay down” while guests hid behind chairs and under tables.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were evacuated from dinner in Washington when shots fired outside the ballroom.
The shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. during the black-tie dinner at the Hilton Hotel.
Cabinet members were also rushed out of the ballroom by Secret Service agents.

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