According to the President, the assailant attempted to force entry into the venue with multiple weapons before being apprehended by security personnel.
Amid heightened security concerns following a shooting scare at the high-profile White House Correspondents’ Dinner, US President Donald Trump on Saturday released CCTV footage and images of the man accused of attempting an armed breach, shedding light on the swift and dramatic response by security agencies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a video clip showing the suspect entering the venue and termed the incident ‘an attack on the nation’s constitutional order’, while praising the swift intervention by security agencies.
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“A tape showing the violence of this thug who attacked our Constitution, and also showing how quickly the Secret Service and law enforcement acted on our country’s behalf…”
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According to the President, the assailant attempted to force entry into the venue with multiple weapons before being apprehended by security personnel.
“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service… One officer was shot, but saved… the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he’s doing great,” Trump said.
He confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody and was being questioned by investigators.
“The shooter has been apprehended.”
Addressing questions about the motive behind the attack, Trump indicated that investigators were treating the suspect as a possible lone actor.
“No… he was a guy who looked pretty evil when he was down… He was, in my opinion, a sick person… They seem to think he was a lone wolf, and I feel that too.”
He added that more details about the suspect, believed to be from California, would soon be made public as authorities continue questioning.
The President said it remained unclear whether he was the intended target, noting the layered security presence inside the venue.
“I guess… these people are crazy… You never know. It was very far away from me. We had resources all over… even in disguise… He had a long way to go. That was really the first line of defence, and they got him.”
Trump also said there had been no prior intelligence warning about the threat.
“No… There was no notification. We had no idea… He is in custody. They are already at his apartment… They are asking him a lot of questions.”
#WATCH | Shots fired at White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC | When asked whether he believed he was a target, US President Donald Trump says, “I guess… these people are crazy… You never know. It was very far away from me. I had to go through a lot. We had… pic.twitter.com/GWGY4o3eTs
— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2026
Trump repeatedly commended the response of the United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies, calling their actions “quick” and “brave.”
“Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely.”
According to the press pool accompanying the President, chaos erupted when an agent shouted “Shots fired,” prompting officers to rush in and secure the area.
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