Story perspectives

Gunfire Forces Evacuation at White House Dinner, RFK Jr. Escapes

4/29/2026

Summary

Gunman Opens Fire

A gunman opened fire at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, causing an evacuation during which Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was whisked away.
Jon Stewart mocked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on The Daily Show, saying he abandoned his wife, and praised Stephen Miller for protecting wife Katie Miller during evacuation.
Cheryl Hines posted an Instagram video saying she was lifted over chairs because of heels and gown and taken to car.

Summary

Kennedy Fact-check

A fact-check on April 28, 2026 found no credible evidence that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary, abandoned Cheryl Hines.
Security agents followed emergency protocols that prioritize rapid removal of protectees, sometimes causing brief spouse separations.
Kennedy, as HHS Secretary, receives top Secret Service protection while his wife does not.
President Donald Trump used the April 25 shooting to argue for constructing a larger bullet-proof White House ballroom.

History

Historical Context

After Gerald Gainous scaled the White House fence on Nov 26 1975 and roamed the grounds for about 90 minutes, even approaching President Ford’s daughter Susan Ford, the Secret Service’s protective role was highlighted. Those protocols enabled agents to swiftly extract Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines during today’s emergency.

1 of 3

Gunman Opens Fire

A gunman opened fire at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, causing an evacuation during which Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was whisked away.
Jon Stewart mocked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on The Daily Show, saying he abandoned his wife, and praised Stephen Miller for protecting wife Katie Miller during evacuation.
Cheryl Hines posted an Instagram video saying she was lifted over chairs because of heels and gown and taken to car.

1 / 3