Breaking: WHCD Canceled After Shooting, Trump Set for Urgent White House Address!

BREAKING NEWS: The 2026 White House Correspondents Dinner has been abruptly called off following a shooting incident this evening.

Initially expressing his desire for the dinner to continue, Donald Trump has now agreed to follow the Secret Service’s advice and has left the Washington Hilton.

The President plans to address the media from the White House shortly, as confirmed by WHCA President and CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang to those still present at the event dedicated to the First Amendment.

Trump has expressed his intent to reschedule the WHCD “within the next 30 days,” Jiang announced to enthusiastic applause from the audience. “We will reconvene. Thank you.”

“The First Lady, the Vice President, and all Cabinet members are safe,” the President shared, adding that he would soon provide more details in a briefing.

The large ballroom cleared out swiftly, with many journalists and WHCA members presumably heading towards the White House. Authorities have confirmed that one “suspect is now detained.”

Broadcast live on C-SPAN and other networks that cover the annual WHCD, the event was interrupted when Secret Service swiftly escorted dignitaries off the stage after what sounded like gunfire. Deadline’s Ted Johnson described hearing “about four shots, originating near my table outside the main ballroom.”

See the video captured by Ted of the chaotic scene

EARLIER, 6:35 PM: Donald Trump affirmed his stance that the White House Correspondents Dinner should proceed, despite the gunfire at tonight’s gathering.

Describing the evening as “eventful,” the evacuated President commended the “Secret Service and law enforcement agencies” for their “exemplary response.”

Believed to be in a secure location within the Washington Hilton, Trump tweeted: “They responded with speed and courage. The perpetrator has been captured, and I’ve suggested that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but I will entirely defer to law enforcement’s judgment. They will decide soon. Regardless, tonight’s plans are significantly altered, and we’ll certainly need a redo.”

WHCA president Weijia Jiang announced from the stage that the event would “resume shortly.” There was confusion as to whether the Secret Service advised guests to vacate the expansive hotel ballroom. Attendees had ducked for cover when shots were fired just as Trump and the First Lady entered the room. Some have since departed, while others have remained.

The presidential seal has been removed from the podium, indicating a likely change in the evening’s proceedings.

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