President Donald Trump recounted First Lady Melania Trump’s immediate reaction during a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
The Incident Unfolds
Just over an hour before the president’s address, several gunshots echoed through the dining room. Attendees ducked under tables in a chaotic rush for safety. Some journalists remained seated or knelt to capture footage as Secret Service agents and security personnel swept the venue, securing high-ranking officials.
The president, seated at the head table on stage alongside the first lady and Vice President, heard the disturbance. Within seconds, they took cover under the table. The Secret Service Counter Assault Team, equipped with tactical gear and rifles, stormed the stage to respond.
Trump’s Press Briefing
In a White House press briefing shortly after the event, President Trump described the moment. “It’s always shocking when something like this happens,” he stated. “We’re sitting right next to each other, the First Lady and I heard a noise. We thought it was either a tray or a bullet.”
He added, “I heard a noise and kinda thought it was a tray going down.” The first lady quickly identified it as a “bad noise,” Trump noted, calling it “a rather traumatic experience for her.” “Melania was very cognizant,” he emphasized.
The president also shared an image on social media of the individual authorities neutralized while attempting to breach security at the dinner.
This situation remains a developing story with updates forthcoming.
