Wine-Gate: Journalists Flee With Luxury Booze Amid Chaos Following White House Gala Shooting | Watch

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 13:27 IST

The internet is reeling after viral clips show journalists looting the bar during a live assassination scare at the Black-Tie Gala.

In a night that swung violently from glamour to raw terror, the shooting at White House correspondents’ dinner with US President Donald Trump present at the black tie gala has left the world reeling. But as the Secret Service secured the perimeter and the smoke cleared, a second, arguably more bizarre scandal began to trend: “Wine-Gate."

While the President was being whisked to safety following gunfire in the ballroom, members of the press were reportedly caught on camera performing a “Great Wine Heist," looting luxury vintage bottles during the life-and-death evacuation.

While the evening began as a celebration of democracy and journalism, the atmosphere was shattered when several loud cracks, confirmed by authorities as gunfire, echoed through the ballroom. But while the elite security detail focused on the President’s life, some members of the media focused on the bar.

Viral clips, including footage shared by RT, captured journalists stuffing unopened bottles of vintage wine into their camera bags and tuxedo jackets. As the nation faced a potential constitutional crisis, the press corps was busy stocking their home cellars.

‘Wine Gate’ began trending within the hour, with critics calling the behavior the ultimate symbol of “media rot." One user wrote on X: “Bro they are removing the journos from the ballroom and journos are taking all the booze with them two bottles at a time LMAOOOOO"

Another user, @YourAnonCentral, also shared clips from the event: “When people fled… they swiped entire bottles on their way out."

While many were outraged, a segment of the internet seemed to find the audacity almost impressive. In the comment sections, users debated the ethics of “looting" during a national tragedy.

One user wrote: “The president didn’t die. Why leave a good wine on the table?" while another added, “They still have to enjoy the party even if it’s in their living room."

Whether it was a trauma-response “drink away the sorrows" moment or pure opportunism, the optics are devastating for the industry. While the President remains unharmed, the reputation of the press corps may be the evening’s biggest casualty. As one commenter put it: “Media asking themselves ‘What would Hegseth do?’ and following through. This is solid work."

News viral Wine-Gate: Journalists Flee With Luxury Booze Amid Chaos Following White House Gala Shooting | Watch

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