Washington, D.C. | April 26, 2026 — A sudden loud bang, initially mistaken for gunfire, triggered panic during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, forcing the rapid evacuation of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
The incident unfolded at the high-profile gathering in Washington, D.C., attended by journalists, senior officials, and public figures. Witnesses said a sharp, unexpected noise echoed through the venue, prompting confusion and immediate concern among guests.
Secret Service agents swiftly moved the president and First Lady to a secure location as a precaution. Some attendees reportedly took cover under tables as the situation developed.
Authorities later confirmed that a suspicious person was detained outside the security perimeter shortly after the incident. However, officials have not yet disclosed the individual’s identity or the cause of the noise.
The event was temporarily halted following the scare. Officials said no one was injured, and there is currently no confirmation of an actual security breach.
An investigation is ongoing to determine what caused the sound and whether it posed any real threat.
