White House Press Secy Says Gunman Wanted To 'Assassinate' Trump And Several Top Officials

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 21:34 IST

Investigators say a gunman who tried to storm a Washington gala attended by Donald Trump planned to target administration officials, he was arrested after an exchange of gunfire

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Sunday said the gunman who attempted to storm a Washington gala attended by US President Donald Trump had planned to “assassinate" the president and kill several high-ranking officials from the Trump administration.

Leavitt’s comments came after the tense incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner, where the gunman was quickly neutralised by law enforcement officers.

“What was supposed to be a fun night at the @WHCA dinner with President Trump delivering jokes and celebrating free speech was hijacked by a depraved crazy person who sought to assassinate the President and kill as many top Trump administration officials as possible," the White House Press Secretary wrote on X.

Leavitt, who was with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the time, described the chaos at the Washington Hilton hotel, saying they were rushed to safety by the Secret Service after the gunman attempted to get past security.

“President Trump was truly fearless, but as he said last night, this political violence needs to end," she added.

Leavitt also praised the law enforcement officer who took a bullet to the chest but immediately moved to neutralise the attacker.

ALSO READ: ‘Heard A Gunshot, Saw Secret Service Jump’: Indian Journalist Recounts White House Dinner Scare

Attorney General: ‘Officials Likely The Target’

Meanwhile, investigations into the attack continued, with acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche commenting on CBS’s Face The Nation that the gunman’s intentions appeared to be clear.

“We do believe, based upon just a very preliminary start to understanding what happened, that he was targeting members of the administration," Blanche said, adding that authorities were still working to confirm the full motive behind the attack.

The suspect, who was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives, was detained shortly after the exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers. Blanche revealed that the gunman, who had been staying at the Washington Hilton, had travelled to Washington via train from Los Angeles, with firearms allegedly purchased in the past few years.

The chaos unfolded late on Saturday at the star-studded gala, which was attended by several top officials, including Vice President JD Vance and members of Trump’s cabinet. The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, a yearly event that brings together journalists, government officials, and celebrities, raises funds for scholarships and awards.

(With inputs from agencies)

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