Trump says he is safe after shots at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the Washington Hilton ballroom Saturday evening at the start of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as shots rang out.

Trump was quickly whisked away into the middle of the chaos and reported that he, the first lady and members of his cabinet were safe on Truth Social.

More than 40 years ago, the Washington Hilton was the site of the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981 – a striking historical parallel since Trump was rushed out of the same hotel Saturday night after gunfire. It remains unclear whether Trump was targeted by Saturday night’s chaos.

John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at Reagan after giving a speech to members of the AFL-CIO. One of the bullets ricocheted off the presidential limousine and hit Reagan in the chest.

Secret Service agents pushed Reagan into a car and was quickly transported to George Washington University Hospital. He was known for his good humor when he was about to undergo treatment.

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Security officials react as a gunman opens fire during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, DC, April 25, 2026. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Three other people were also hit, including press secretary James Brady, a police officer and a Secret Service agent.

President Ronald Reagan greets spectators moments before an attempted assassination of John Hinckley Jr. on March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC. James Brady is visible third from the left. (The White House/Getty Images)

Brady was shot in the eye and suffered brain damage. He ultimately died in 2014, and law enforcement ruled his death a homicide due to its connection to the 1981 shooting.

The hotel has since been nicknamed by locals as the “Hinckley Hilton”.

First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, April 25, 2026. This is President Trump’s first appearance at the annual Political Press Gala during his term in office. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)

Hinckley was acquitted of the attempted assassination of the president following an insanity defense. His lawyers highlighted his narcissistic personality disorder and referenced his obsession with the movie “Taxi Driver” and actress Jodie Foster as inspiration for the attack.

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President Trump has returned to the White House and is preparing to deliver a statement in the White House briefing room.