The festive press dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel abruptly turned into panic on Saturday evening. During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, President Donald Trump was suddenly escorted from the stage after shots rang out and an armed intruder was overpowered. “It was pure chaos here,” CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins said live from the audience shortly after the incident.
Ine Holmstock
Journalist at HLN
Source: CNN
According to the journalist, security stormed into the ballroom through the center aisle just moments after the dinner started. “People dived under their tables. We saw dozens of officers with big guns,” says the CNN journalist.
It was pure chaos in here and quite frankly a huge mess
The president and several members of his cabinet, who were scattered throughout the room, were led away. Vice President JD Vance and other high-ranking guests were also immediately taken to safety.
According to Collins, those present reacted in panic. “Everyone here was under their table,” the CNN journalist said. “I don’t really know exactly what happened. It was pure chaos here and, quite frankly, a huge mess.”
Our fear was that someone would break through the door and start shooting at us
French BFM journalist Laurence Haïm was also present in the room and witnessed the panic up close. “We had just seen the president arrive and the national anthem had just played. Suddenly we heard five loud shots, just behind our door. After three shots we immediately understood that they were gunshots.”
Then the door was locked and those present ducked under the tables. “It was extremely quiet. Our fear was that someone would break through the door and start shooting at us.” According to Haïm, journalists present tried to record what happened with their phones.
Trump wanted to return to the hall
After the evacuation, Trump was met backstage. According to CNN, he initially wanted to re-enter the room to continue the event. “He has indicated that he wants to return,” Collins said. “His advisers have made it clear to the president that it is not safe to return to the chamber.”
Ultimately, the dinner was halted and Trump returned to the White House. The president later promised that the event will take place again within 30 days.
