The armed man fired at a Secret Service agent, an FBI official told Reuters. About two hours after the incident, Trump told reporters at the White House that the officer was saved by his bulletproof vest and is in "good shape"
The suspect, whom Trump described as a "sick person," has been arrested.
All federal officials at the dinner, including Trump, were safe.
"A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service," Trump said at a White House press conference after the incident.
Closed-circuit TV footage released by Trump on Truth Social showed someone running rapidly through a security checkpoint, momentarily catching security personnel off-guard before they quickly drew their weapons.
"You know, he charged from 50 yards away, so he was very far away from the room. He was moving. He was really moving," Trump said after the gala dinner was canceled.
Officials believe he is a "lone wolf" who acted alone, Trump said, adding, "He was a guy who looked pretty evil when he was down."
Washington interim police chief Jeffery Carroll told reporters the assailant, from California, apparently acted alone and was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives. He said the gunman's motive was still unclear.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, a marquee fixture of Washington’s social calendar each year, was also attended by many members of Trump’s cabinet and other senior administration officials. The event is held in the basement ballroom of the Hilton hotel.
Trump’s appearance at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner marks his first time attending the event as president.
He boycotted the event at the Washington Hilton throughout his first term and again in 2025.
The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner has long served as a symbol of the relationship between the US presidency and the press.
Founded in 1921, the annual black‑tie event brings together journalists, top government officials and civic figures.
Sitting presidents have traditionally attended at least once during their terms.
Beyond the celebrity and satire, the dinner has historically been used to raise scholarship funds and spotlight press freedom.
