Saturday evening’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner turned into a scene of panic when gunfire erupted at the Washington Hilton, forcing the immediate evacuation of top government officials.
NPR reporters who were present at the annual event provided firsthand accounts of the terrifying moments as attendees scrambled for safety. The journalists described diving under tables for protection and desperately trying to gather information as the situation developed.
The normally celebratory gathering, which brings together politicians, journalists, and celebrities, was abruptly transformed into an emergency evacuation as security protocols went into effect. Guests were seen fleeing the hotel after initially seeking shelter inside the venue.
The incident marks a dramatic disruption to one of Washington’s most high-profile annual events, which typically serves as a lighthearted evening where the press and political figures come together.
