Trumps, White House officials and journalists evacuated from press dinner after gunshots
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and several cabinet members were whisked out of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner after gunshots at the Washington Hilton. A shooter opened fire during the annual event, prompting security officials to evacuate the venue. The Associated Press reported that the incident occurred at the Washington Hilton, where the dinner was held. High‑profile attendees, including Trump and cabinet members, were among those evacuated. The article includes a photo from Reuters and references to AP coverage.
1 day ago
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington was abruptly halted on April 25, 2026 after gunshots rang out at the Washington Hilton, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members and dozens of journalists 1.
Witnesses reported hearing five to eight gunshots outside the ballroom where the dinner was taking place. A gunman opened fire and was later subdued by law‑enforcement officers, one of whom was struck in a bullet‑resistant vest but remained unharmed 1.
Secret Service agents quickly moved the presidential party to safety, and the venue was declared a “crime scene.” Attendees took cover under tables while journalists provided live updates. The shooter was apprehended, and officials instructed everyone to leave the premises in accordance with protocol 1.
From the safety of his platform Truth Social, Trump confirmed the shooter’s capture and praised the Secret Service for acting “quickly and bravely.” He initially suggested the show could continue, but later accepted law‑enforcement’s recommendation to evacuate and announced that the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days, followed by a White House press briefing 1.
A Secret Service spokesman confirmed the president and his entourage were safely evacuated. One Secret Service agent was hit by a bullet that was stopped by protective gear. The gunman was subdued without further casualties 1.
The White House Correspondents’ Association, founded in 1914, plans to reconvene the dinner within a month, pending a thorough review of security protocols. No further details on the shooter’s motive or identity were released at the time of reporting 1.
Catholic teaching on political violence and civil disobedience
Catholic teaching draws a firm moral line: political violence is never a legitimate means to pursue justice, while civil disobedience may be morally licit in limited circumstances when obedience to law would require refusing God’s moral order or would violate fundamental rights—provided it is carried out in ways that respect peace and the common good.
The Church’s teaching consistently condemns violence used to settle political or ideological disputes.
The U.S. bishops state plainly that there is “no good reason to resort to violence to resolve political issues,” and they explicitly call Christians to “abstain from political violence of any kind.” They add key moral reasons: violence harms innocent victims, undermines order and the rule of law, and does not ensure positive or lasting change.
Pope John Paul II makes the same point in a political context: those who claim that “only violence brings about change” are to be proven wrong—public leaders must show that there is “a peaceful, political way to justice,” because “peace achieves the works of justice, and violence does not.” He also warns that violence grows where there is a political vacuum or refusal of political engagement.
On the nature of violence itself, Pope John Paul II teaches that violence is an unacceptable evil: “To attain the good of peace there must be a clear and conscious acknowledgment that violence is an unacceptable evil and that it never solves problems.” He also quotes the idea that violence is a “lie,” because it destroys the dignity and life of human beings.
Regarding terrorism and armed violence, he likewise says it is a manifestation of inhuman ferocity that “will never be able to resolve the conflicts”