Loud noises at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026, triggered an immediate security response that led to the evacuation of Donald Trump from the venue.
The annual gathering, which brings together journalists, government officials, and public figures, was disrupted when multiple sharp sounds were reported throughout the ballroom. Attendees described the noises as resembling explosions, causing rapid panic and confusion across the room.
Security Response and Evacuation
Security agents immediately moved to protect Trump upon hearing the disturbances. Agents swiftly escorted him away from the event space and removed him from the premises as a precautionary measure, following standard emergency protocols for potential threats to high-ranking officials.
Law enforcement and security personnel secured the area as investigations began into the source of the noises. Authorities worked to assess the situation, determine any possible dangers, and establish whether the sounds resulted from an actual incident or another cause.
Investigation Ongoing
Event organizers halted the dinner entirely as officials conducted a thorough investigation. No confirmed details regarding injuries or verified gunfire have been released at this time.
Officials urged the public to remain calm as investigations continued. The incident underscored the sensitive nature of security operations at major public events held in Washington, D.C.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.