On the 25th local time, US President Trump attended the White House Correspondents' Association dinner that night, and a "security incident" occurred at the banquet. It was reported that there was a "huge noise" at the scene and Trump was escorted away by security personnel. It is reported that many senior government officials attended the dinner, including Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth. Trump was seated on the podium when the gunfire rang out.
Founded in 1914, the White House Correspondents' Association is an independent organization composed of journalists who cover the White House and the President of the United States. The association began holding annual dinners in 1921. It was a social event to strengthen communication between the media and government officials. It was once common practice for the president to attend and deliver a speech.
Shortly after the incident, US President Trump held a press conference in the White House Press Briefing Room. In addition to reporting some details about the security incident, Trump also linked the encounter to the ongoing White House ballroom project at the press conference and emphasized the need to achieve "an unprecedented level of security."
At the same time, President Trump said that he believed that the suspect's motive was not the war in Iran, but admitted that there was no definite conclusion yet. He hinted that his many U.S. policy achievements made him a target.
At a press conference after the shooting, he said: "Those who do nothing do not suffer attacks like this."
He also said: "This will never stop me from winning the war with Iran."