'Heard A Gunshot, Saw Secret Service Jump': Indian Journalist Recounts White House Dinner Scare

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 11:36 IST

An Indian journalist described hearing a gunshot near the entry point at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting a swift evacuation of around 2,000 attendees.

An Indian journalist present at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner described the tense moments when a gunshot rang out near the venue, triggering panic among attendees.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Saurabh Shukla, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NewsMobile and Chief White House Correspondent, said he was seated not far from the entry point when the situation unfolded.

“I was sitting not far, suddenly I heard a gunshot, I turned back, I saw Secret Service jump, 2,000 people were there, we were taken out swiftly," Shukla said, detailing the immediate response from security personnel.

He emphasised how close the incident was to a critical access point.

“It is precisely from where we enter for dinner, where the shooter was caught, it could have gone in anyway, if we had entered for dinner," he added, underlining the potential risk to those attending.

TRUMP, FIRST LADY EVACUATED AFTER SHOOTING

According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the event after a man opened fire with a shotgun at security personnel.

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.

‘CHARGED A SECURITY CHECKPOINT’: TRUMP

Trump described the suspect as a “sick person" who “charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons."

He credited the Secret Service for quickly neutralising the threat, calling their actions “very brave."

Closed-circuit footage shared by Trump showed the suspect running rapidly through a checkpoint, briefly catching security personnel off guard before they responded.

“He charged from 50 yards away. He was moving. He was really moving," Trump said.

Officials believe the attacker acted alone, with Trump describing him as a “lone wolf" who “looked pretty evil when he was down."

PANIC INSIDE THE VENUE AS ATTENDEES TAKE COVER

The sound of gunfire caused immediate panic inside the ballroom.

As per Reuters, attendees began shouting “Get down, get down!" while many took cover and others scrambled for safety.

Security personnel quickly moved to protect top officials, pushing cabinet members, including Marco Rubio, Robert F Kennedy Jr., and Doug Burgum to the ground.

Armed agents stormed the stage and evacuated the President and first lady, while additional personnel secured the area, pointing rifles toward the ballroom as a precaution.

The event, held at the Washington Hilton, had drawn thousands of attendees, making the swift evacuation critical in preventing further harm.

Following the incident, Trump indicated the dinner, which was disrupted by the shooting, could be rescheduled within 30 days.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the attack, including raids linked to the suspect.

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