Washington, D.C. — US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has said that President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration were likely the intended targets of a gunman who opened fire on a Secret Service agent during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel.
Pakistan Leadership Condemns Washington Dinner Shooting, Calls It ‘Heinous Act of Terrorism’
The incident, which unfolded during a high-profile political gathering attended by top US officials, lawmakers, and journalists, is now being investigated as a targeted attack on federal personnel and potentially senior government figures.
Blanche stated in an interview that early evidence suggests the suspect may have deliberately sought to target individuals connected to the US administration, including the president. He confirmed that federal charges including attempted murder of a federal officer, assault on a federal officer, and discharge of a firearm are expected to be filed in court.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly travelled across multiple US cities before arriving in Washington, though they have not confirmed any foreign links or external coordination.
Gunman Opened Fire Inside Heavily Secured Venue
According to law enforcement officials, the suspect fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent stationed at a security checkpoint inside the Washington Hilton, where the annual correspondents’ dinner was taking place.
The agent was injured but later released from hospital after treatment. Secret Service officials confirmed that protective gear likely prevented more serious harm.
The suspect, identified by investigators as a California resident in his early 30s, was armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and knives. He was eventually subdued and arrested after breaching internal security checkpoints inside the hotel.
Officials believe the suspect may have acted alone, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Chaos Inside High-Profile Political Event
The shooting triggered immediate panic inside the ballroom, where approximately 2,600 guests were attending the event, including President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members, and senior lawmakers.
Guests were forced to take cover as armed Secret Service agents and tactical units stormed the venue, evacuating top officials and securing the area. Several cabinet members were shielded or pushed to the ground by their security teams as protective protocols were activated.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and alarm as agents moved rapidly through the room, clearing exits and forming defensive positions.
Trump Evacuated and Later Addresses Incident
President Trump and the First Lady were quickly evacuated from the stage and taken to a secure location. He later praised the Secret Service response, saying the agent’s protective vest “did the job” and confirmed the officer was in good condition.
Trump also suggested he believed he was a target, referencing earlier assassination attempts he survived during the 2024 campaign period.
Investigation Underway Into Security Breach
Federal authorities, including the FBI, have launched a full investigation into how the suspect managed to bring weapons into a heavily secured venue hosting one of Washington’s most prominent political events.
Security arrangements at the Washington Hilton are now under review, particularly the screening procedures and coordination between federal and private security teams.
The hotel has historical significance, having also been the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on former President Ronald Reagan.
International Reactions
The attack has drawn condemnation from global leaders, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte describing it as an assault on democratic societies and urging continued vigilance against political violence.
World leaders expressed relief that no fatalities occurred and extended solidarity with the United States following the incident.
