President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the White House correspondents' dinner on Saturday evening after shots were fired at the event, throwing the annual gathering into chaos. Journalists and attendees ducked under tables as security forces rushed the president and senior cabinet members out of the ballroom at the Washington Hilton. The suspect was quickly detained, and the dinner has been rescheduled, according to the White House Correspondents Association.
President Uninjured, Calls Shooter a 'Lone Wolf'
In a press briefing later that evening, Trump confirmed he was uninjured and described the shooter as a “lone wolf,” criticizing the hotel as “not a particularly secure building.” The FBI announced that a suspect is in custody, though details about the individual and motive remain under investigation.
Key Events at a Glance
- Evacuation: Trump and the first lady were whisked away as gunshots rang out; attendees sought cover.
- Suspect Detained: Authorities confirmed the shooter was taken into custody and asked attendees to leave the venue.
- Dinner Rescheduled: WHCA Chair Weijia Jiang announced the event will be held at a later date.
Trump Cancels Envoys' Pakistan Trip for Iran Ceasefire Talks
Trump told Fox News he has instructed US envoys not to travel to Pakistan for further negotiations with Iran, after Tehran's top diplomat left Islamabad. “They can call us anytime they want,” Trump said, effectively halting the planned mission by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to revive ceasefire talks.
Egyptian Family Re-Detained by ICE After Release
An Egyptian family of six was taken back into ICE custody days after being released from a detention facility in Texas, according to attorney Eric Lee. Hayam El Gamal and her five children were reportedly en route to Egypt on a private jet due to a court order violation.
ICE Plans Facility on Pfas-Contaminated Site
ICE is planning a detention facility for children and families on one of the most Pfas-contaminated sites in the US, which also serves as a hub for Trump's deportation program, raising environmental and health concerns.
Labor Secretary Resigns Amid 'Constant Turbulence'
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned after a brief tenure marked by controversy. Staff describe the department as being in a state of “constant turbulence,” with blame shifting to the 'deep state' in her resignation.
Other Notable Stories
- UFO Conspiracy Theory: A conspiracy theory linking UFOs and missing scientists has spread from the web to the White House, as reported by Edward Helmore.
- Todd Blanche Profile: Sam Levine explores Todd Blanche's bid to become attorney general.
- Friday Recap: Catch up on events from Friday, April 24.
