White House Correspondents' Dinner Attack: Suspect Likely Targeted President Trump, Says Acting AG
Following gunshots outside the WHCA dinner, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that preliminary investigations suggest the shooter intended to target government officials, with President Trump as a highly likely target.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 26, 2026 at 23:44
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 00:01 (17 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 27, 2026 at 00:04 (3 min after Collected)
Washington, April 26 — Gunshots erupted near the venue of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner attended by President Trump last night. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche reported that while the investigation into the motive is ongoing, 'preliminary' findings indicate the shooter targeted government officials, 'very likely' including the President.
Donald Trump and other guests were emergency evacuated from the Washington Hilton Hotel during the dinner when shots were heard outside.
Speaking on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Blanche stated, 'It appears he [the shooter] indeed intended to target individuals serving in the government, and very likely the President.'
According to the BBC, Blanche also noted that investigators are verifying reports that the suspect assembled the weapon inside the hotel. He added that the suspect 'didn't get far' and barely breached the security perimeter.
The suspect reportedly traveled by train from Los Angeles through Chicago to Washington DC. Blanche confirmed that formal charges will be filed against the suspect tomorrow.
Donald Trump and other guests were emergency evacuated from the Washington Hilton Hotel during the dinner when shots were heard outside.
Speaking on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Blanche stated, 'It appears he [the shooter] indeed intended to target individuals serving in the government, and very likely the President.'
According to the BBC, Blanche also noted that investigators are verifying reports that the suspect assembled the weapon inside the hotel. He added that the suspect 'didn't get far' and barely breached the security perimeter.
The suspect reportedly traveled by train from Los Angeles through Chicago to Washington DC. Blanche confirmed that formal charges will be filed against the suspect tomorrow.