Video footage shows JD Vance being escorted out of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner after a shooting -Credit:X (@RapidReport2025)
(X (@RapidReport2025))
Footage from inside the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner shows Vice President JD Vance reacting as Secret Service agents rushed him to safety after shots were fired.
Agents physically lifted Vance from his seat at the Washington Hilton. Confusion showed on his face as plates and silverware were heard crashing on the floor as party attendees shouted with worry for their lives.
Vance looked stunned as agents moved him away from the long dinner table where several high-ranking political figures, including President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, were seated. Trump has since shared chilling footage of the gunman charging security.
Meanwhile, Erika Kirk was seen breaking down in tears backstage in the aftermath.
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Guests in formal wear dropped to the floor and scrambled for cover while armed security rushed in. Footage shows agents taking Vance from the table before security moved to protect President Trump.
After several shots rang through the grounds, people shouted as security led Trump and Melania to safety. Melania’s fearful expression was visible as she and Trump were escorted out by government vehicles. Her reaction was among the first seen as the event went on lockdown.
Some Trump supporters criticized the order of events online, while others were relieved no political leaders were hurt. MAGA supporters said Trump was protected after Vance so he could make sure Melania was safe.
Military personnel in tactical gear moved through the room to secure the area. The rest of the table was guided backstage for protection.
President Trump held a press conference at the White House after the incident and confirmed an officer was shot by what he called ‘a very powerful gun,’ but was saved by a bulletproof vest. The suspect was said to be carrying several guns as well as knives.
FBI Director Kash Patel joined Trump, while Vance did not appear during the hour-long stream. Authorities said the suspect faces multiple firearms and assault-related charges and acted alone, according to AP.
Donald Trump, Melania, and JD Vance were quickly escourted to safety -Credit:Getty
Security footage showed the shooter running through metal sensors with guns before officers drew their weapons. The property is the same grounds where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
Trump went on social media before his press conference to inform his followers that the shooter was ‘apprehended‘, and that the dinner would continue. Local authorities expressed belief that the suspect was staying in the hotel at the time of the shooting.
White House reporters noted a sharp drop in attendance after the dinner resumed. Local law enforcement later shut the event down completely. Trump said it would be rescheduled and safer next time.