Déjà Vu In Washington: Trump Rescued From Same Hotel Where Reagan’s 1981 Assassination Bid Unfolded

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 12:00 IST

On March 30, 1981, Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. outside the venue after delivering a speech.

White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting: Tensions gripped Washington DC’s Hilton Hotel after a gunman opened fire during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and others to be evacuated.

Secret Service personnel and other authorities rushed into the banquet hall as hundreds of guests took cover under tables. Shouts of “Out of the way, sir!" and calls to duck were heard. The banquet hall, where hundreds of journalists, celebrities and national leaders were waiting for Trump’s speech, was evacuated immediately.

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The attacker fired at a Secret Service agent, who survived the shooting due to a bulletproof vest. Trump later confirmed the officer was in “good shape." All federal officials present at the dinner were reported safe, and the suspect has been taken into custody.

Meanwhile, a twist of fate has drawn attention to the attempted assassination of former President Ronald Reagan at the same hotel more than four decades ago. On March 30, 1981, Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. outside the venue after delivering a speech. A bullet ricocheted off his limousine and struck him in the chest.

Reagan was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where he underwent emergency treatment and later recovered. The attack also left three others injured, including press secretary James Brady, who suffered severe brain damage and later died in 2014 from complications linked to the shooting.

Read More: ‘Not My First’: How Many Times Has Donald Trump Faced Assassination Attempts?

The Washington Hilton has since carried the nickname “Hinckley Hilton" due to its association with the 1981 attack. Hinckley was ultimately acquitted by reason of insanity, with his defense citing an obsession with the film Taxi Driver and actress Jodie Foster.

Saturday night’s incident has reignited memories of that historic event, underscoring ongoing concerns about presidential security, even in locations long associated with past threats.

News world Déjà Vu In Washington: Trump Rescued From Same Hotel Where Reagan’s 1981 Assassination Bid Unfolded

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