On Saturday evening, President Trump addressed the nation from the White House, accompanied by key officials including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Vice President JD Vance, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel. The address came in the wake of a shooting incident that disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting its cancellation. President Trump assured the public that the event would be rescheduled.
First Lady Melania Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt were also present during the briefing.
In his remarks, President Trump commended the swift response of law enforcement officers and also expressed appreciation for the media’s responsible handling of the situation and the subsequent coverage.
President Trump confirmed that a police officer was injured in the attack, but fortunately, the officer’s bulletproof vest prevented a fatal outcome, and they are expected to recover.
Initially eager to continue with the dinner, President Trump ultimately conceded that proceeding was not feasible under the circumstances.
MORE: Update: The suspect in the WHCD shooting has been identified as an alleged donor to Kamala Harris from California.
He was determined for the show to go on, but finally realized it was just not practical:
🚨 DONALD TRUMP JUST WENT FULL DEFIANT MODE
After the shooting at WHCA dinner: “I fought like HELL to stay!” 🤣
“We’re going to reschedule, we’re going to do it again. We’re NOT going to let anybody take over our society!” 🔥
“We’re not going to cancel things out because we… pic.twitter.com/d3froYfeRb
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 26, 2026
“We’re not going to cancel things out because we can’t do that. We wanted to stay tonight.”
MORE: New: WHCD Shooter Identified, Allegedly a Kamala Harris Donor From California
The Show Will Not Go On: WH Correspondents’ Dinner to Be Rescheduled After Chaotic Night at the Gala
He asked the people of America to reject violence and keep our disagreements peaceful.
🚨 NOW: President Trump DEMANDS a NATIONAL RECKONING towards peace, NOT violence, after tonight’s attempted assassination
“It’s not the first time in the past couple of years that our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin who sought to kill.”
“In Butler,… pic.twitter.com/RtIC2S1YJO
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 26, 2026
“In Butler, Pennsylvania, less than two years ago. You all know that story. And in Palm Beach, Florida, a few months after that, we came close.”
“In light of this evening’s events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts in resolving our difference peacefully.”
“I will say you had Republicans, Democrats, independents, conservatives, liberals, and progressives.”
“Everybody in that room, big crowd, record-setting crowd.”
“There was a record-setting group of people. And there was a tremendous amount of love and coming together. I watched.”
The president also confirmed what RedState’s Bonchie reported: namely, that the attacker had been apprehended and identified, and authorities are right now combing through his past:
“The man has been captured. They’re going to his apartment,” he said. “I guess he lives in California — and he’s a sick person…
BREAKING: Video Released of Cole Tomas Allen charging through the checkpoint and secret service responding at the White House Correspondents Dinner pic.twitter.com/7oioz2xGyy
— The Facts Dude 🤙🏽 (@Thefactsdude) April 26, 2026
Trump was asked if he feared for his life, considering this is the third assassination attempt in his second term, and Democrats keep preaching for ever more “resistance.” He had an answer:
🚨 NOW: President Trump just gave the PERFECT ANSWER
“Why does it [assassination attempts] keep happening to you?”
TRUMP: The ones that do the most — they go after. They go after impactful people.
“I hate to say I’m honored by that.”
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/AY4bLPGK96
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 26, 2026
The briefing wrapped up minutes ago, and we will keep you posted as new developments arise.
