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Trump safe, expected to speak following gunshots at WH Correspondents’ Dinner

21 mins ago

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FBI descends on suspect’s home as investigators race to build profile in WHCD shooting

Investigators are quickly building a profile of the suspect in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting as federal agents move in on his California home.

The suspected gunman was identified as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, according to a law enforcement briefing to Fox News Digital.

Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, said authorities can rapidly compile detailed information about the suspect.

“Right now, tonight, federal agents know his name,” Pack told Fox News. “That name is running through every database the government owns. Criminal history, military service, mental health flags, travel records, known associates, prior contacts with law enforcement.”

Pack said investigators can gather critical information within minutes.

“That process takes minutes, not days,” he said. “Within the hour, prosecutors were likely already on the phone with judges seeking warrants. Digital warrants for his phone, his email, his social media accounts, his search history. Physical warrants for every address associated with his name.”

FBI agents arrived outside the suspect’s home in Torrance early Sunday.

“Those residences are being secured right now,” Pack said. “Agents are establishing a perimeter, making sure nobody enters or leaves, and waiting for a warrant.”

He added that evidence inside the home could provide key insight into the suspect’s motive.

“What is inside that residence, whether it is a manifesto, weapons, materials, a journal, correspondence, will tell investigators more about motive than almost anything else,” Pack said. “The physical space a person lives in is a biography.”

Pack said investigators are already working to reconstruct the suspect’s movements leading up to the shooting.

“The timeline reconstruction has already started,” he said. “Agents are working backwards from the lobby of the Washington Hilton and they will not stop until they reach the moment this began in his mind.”

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

43 mins ago

Suspect in WHCD shooting acted alone, had multiple weapons, DC police say

The man accused of opening fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday is believed to have acted alone and was found with multiple weapons, according to the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.

The suspected gunman was identified as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, according to a law enforcement briefing to Fox News.

DC police said they recovered two firearms and multiple knives.

A Secret Service agent was shot in the vest and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

1 hour ago

White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting renews spotlight on Trump ballroom push

The shooting inside the venue hosting the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner has renewed attention on President Donald Trump’s push for a secure White House ballroom — an idea he argues could help reduce such risks.

Trump pointed to the incident to criticize the hotel as insufficiently secure, promoting a new ballroom with features like reinforced materials.

The proposal, however, faces legal and political hurdles. Courts are weighing whether the administration bypassed required approvals, while critics question the cost and potential impact on the historic complex.

The planned 90,000-square-foot space would seat about 650 guests and replace the East Wing, marking a major change to the White House footprint. Supporters frame it as a largely privately funded security upgrade, while opponents see it as an unnecessary overhaul.

While the White House has hosted countless ceremonial events, it has never had a dedicated ballroom. The new structure would fill that gap, replacing the historic East Wing with a space built to accommodate large-scale gatherings.

1 hour ago

Secret Service chief praises response after gunman charges WHCD security checkpoint

U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran praised law enforcement’s response after a 31-year-old California man allegedlyopened fireoutside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, striking a Secret Service agent.

An agent was shot in the vest after the gunman entered the Washington Hilton, rushed past a magnetometer and opened fire. The agent is OK.

“Tonight we saw exactly what our brave men and women do each and every day to protect our protectees,” Curran said in a statement. “It’s not easy, and I will tell you that they performed admirably. We got to see what they do. And that individual, when he charged a checkpoint, was apprehended.”

“It shows that our multi-layered protection works,”Curran continued. “And I’m grateful to our partners that help assist us with building these sites and protecting these sites.”

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

1 hour ago

Homeland Security chief praises Trump’s leadership after WHCD shooting

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin commended President Donald Trump for showing “incredible composure and leadership” following a shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday.

“Thankfully, President Trump, the First Lady, all members of the Cabinet, the media, and guests are safe,” Mullin said in a post on X. “@POTUS has displayed incredible composure and leadership tonight.”

“I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement personnel for their quick and heroic actions,” he added. “An investigation is ongoing, and we will provide updates as they become available.”

Trump was escorted from the Washington Hilton after shots were reported near a security screening area. One suspect has been taken into custody.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

1 hour ago

Pelosi calls WHCD shooting a ‘terrifying act of violence,’ praises law enforcement

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted to the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, calling it a “terrifying act of violence.”

“It is a great relief that the President, First Lady and everyone in attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe following a terrifying act of violence inside the venue,” Pelosi said in a statement.

“The brave men and women of the United States Secret Service and local law enforcement are to be commended for their swift action to secure the scene and protect those present,” she added.

Pelosi also expressed concern for those affected.

“As someone whose family has suffered political violence, my prayers are with the injured officer and all those affected by the trauma of these horrible incidents,” she said.

Pelosi’s husband was attacked with a hammer at their San Francisco home in 2022.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

Breaking News1 hour ago

Suspect identified in White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting

The suspected shooter involved in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been named, Fox News can confirm.

Cole Allen, 31, was identified via a law enforcement brief to Fox News. He is from Torrance, California.

Allen was potentially a guest at the Washington Hilton, according to law enforcement.

2 hours ago

DC US attorney says suspect in WHCD incident faces federal charges, more possible

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Saturday that the individual who rushed toward the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is facing federal charges, with more likely to follow.

Pirro said the suspect, who has not been identified, is currently charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.

“Right now, the defendant is being charged with two counts — 924(c), using a firearm during a crime of violence, and a second charge under 111, which is assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon,” Pirro said during a news conference.

She said the suspect is expected to be arraigned in federal district court Monday and could face additional charges.

“But make no mistake, there will be many more charges based upon the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation,” Pirro added.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

2 hours ago

Secret Service in line of fire at WHCA shooting still unpaid due to Dem-led shutdown

The shooting near President Trump and several Cabinet members at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is intensifying scrutiny of the Democrats’ funding standoff in Congress, which has left the Department of Homeland Security — including the Secret Service — in a prolonged funding lapse.

The incident comes as the standoff stretches past 60 days, with Democrats blocking funding measures and rejecting multiple Republican-backed proposals to reopen the department. The dispute, centered on immigration enforcement policy, has raised concerns about resources for agencies including the Secret Service, FEMA and the Coast Guard, all of which fall under DHS.

The episode adds to a series of recent security threats involving Trump, underscoring the strain on federal protective services. The Secret Service, tasked with protecting the president, vice president, their families and other senior officials, has faced growing demands in recent years.

Last week, Secret Service Director Sean Curran warned lawmakers the agency is not adequately staffed to handle major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympics and the next presidential cycle — highlighting mounting concerns about staffing and resources.

2 hours ago

Trump praises law enforcement response after gunman rushes WHCD event

President Donald Trump praised law enforcement Saturday night after a gunman rushed toward the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

“He charged from 50 yards away, so he was very far away from the room,” Trump said during a news conference from the White House.

“He was moving,” Trump added. “He was really moving.”

Trump commended the responding officers for their quick reaction.

“The reaction time was great,” he said. “Boy, those guys — they had their guns drawn. By the time he was there, they were shooting. I thought they were very impressive. And if I didn’t, I’d let you know.”

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

2 hours ago

Acting AG says charges coming soon after shooting near WHCD

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Saturday night that charges are expected to be filed soon following the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

“This investigation is ongoing,” he said during the briefing at the White House. “I expect you will see charges filed shortly.”

“The charges should be self-evident given the conduct,” he continued. “But as you’ll hear, there will be multiple charges surrounding the shooting, around the possession of firearms and anything else that we can get on this guy.”

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

Breaking News3 hours ago

Trump delivers White House address after White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting incident

President Donald Trump delivered a statement from the White House briefing room following the shooting incident that led to the evacuation of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner earlier tonight.

“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons,” Trump said, praising Secret Service and law enforcement for acting “very quickly” to stop the suspect.

Trump was rushed from the Washington Hilton after shots were reported near the screening area, with law enforcement later confirming a suspect was taken into custody.

Trump confirmed the shooter was taken down and said one officer was shot at close range but saved by a bulletproof vest. “I just spoke to the officer… he’s in great shape,” Trump said.

Adding to the surreal scene, many members of the press in the briefing room arrived directly from the Hilton and were still dressed in black tie attire for the president’s remarks.

Trump posted photos and video of the suspect on Truth Social to accompany his remarks.

Trump also framed the moment as striking at the heart of the purpose of the event, saying, “this was an event dedicated to freedom of speech that was supposed to bring together members of both parties, with members of the press. And in a certain way, it did, because the fact that they just unified us to a room that was just totally unified, it was, in one way, very beautiful, a very beautiful thing to see.”

He said the surveillance video released on Truth Social was meant to show “the violence of this thug that attacked our Constitution,” but also “how quickly Secret Service and law enforcement acted on our country’s behalf.”

Trump went on to argue the incident showed a need for tighter security, saying the Washington Hilton is “not a particularly secure building” and tying that to his ballroom under construction at the White House, with “drone proof” protections and “bulletproof glass.”

He also linked the scare to a broader pattern of threats, saying, “this is 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,” and urged Americans to “recommit with their hearts” to “resolving our differences peacefully.”

At several points, Trump returned to the idea that the dinner should not be canceled outright, saying, “we’re not going to let anybody take over our society,” and vowing the event would be held again “within the next 30 days,” “bigger and better and even nicer.”

The president added that he “fought like hell to stay,” but was ultimately told by security, “please, sir,” because agents still did not know of additional threats.

3 hours ago

Speaker Johnson praises first responders after shooting outside WHCD

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., thanked first responders for quickly responding to the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday.

Johnson was attending the event at the Washington Hilton hotel with his wife, Kelly.

“Kelly and I were at the event tonight, and we’re thankful no innocent people were harmed and everyone is now safe,” Johnson said in a post on X.

“We’re grateful as always for the law enforcement and first responders who acted so quickly to bring the situation under control,” he added. “Praying for our country tonight.”

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

3 hours ago

Scalise reacts after shooting near WHCD, praises law enforcement response

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., who was shot in the hip by a gunman during a practice for the Congressional Baseball Game in 2017, reacted to the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday night.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the brave members of law enforcement who acted quickly to protect all of us attending tonight’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” he said in a statement.

“This is an event meant to bring people together,” he added. “Violence has NO place in our country.”

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

3 hours ago

White House Correspondents’ Dinner venue ‘Hinckley Hilton’ known for Reagan shooting history

Locals indelicately call the location of the White House Correspondents Dinner — the Washington Hilton Hotel — the “Hinckley Hilton” because of the shooting of President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981, by a man named John Hinckley Jr., who fired six shots at Reagan in a matter of seconds.

One of the bullets ricocheted off the presidential limousine and struck Reagan in the chest, seriously wounding him. Three other people were also hit, including Press Secretary James Brady, a police officer and a Secret Service agent.

Secret Service agents pushed Reagan into the car and rushed him to George Washington University hospital, where he underwent surgery and survived.

Hinckley was arrested at the scene and was later found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Breaking News3 hours ago

Secret Service agent shot by gunman outside White House Correspondents’ Dinner, expected to be OK

A gunman entered the Washington Hilton hotel, rushed past a magnetometer and opened fire, striking a Secret Service agent in the vest, Fox News has learned. The agent is OK.

The suspect has been detained. The individual has not been identified.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

3 hours ago

Erika Kirk seen in tears backstage during White House Correspondents’ Dinner evacuation

An emotional moment unfolded backstage at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as attendees awaited more information about the incident.

Erika Kirk was seen running through the backstage area in tears, saying, “I just want to go home,” according to a pool report.

Her late husband, Charlie Kirk, was murdered last year while touring for Turning Point USA on the Utah Valley University campus.

She was escorted out of the building through a rear exit as guests were being held and security assessed the situation.

3 hours ago

Lawmakers react after incident at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Reactions from congressional lawmakers poured in Saturday night following a security scare at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., said he was at the event and was pulled into a secure room by Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.

“I am at the #WHCD,” Moskowitz wrote in a post on X. “I want to thank law enforcement, Capitol Police. I personally want to thank Steve Scalise, who grabbed me into a secure room.”

Scalise was shot in the hip by a gunman during a morning practice for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia, in 2017.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

Breaking News3 hours ago

Trump says White House Correspondents’ Dinner to be rescheduled in 30 days, orders evacuation

President Donald Trump said law enforcement has requested all attendees leave the White House Correspondents’ Dinner venue following the earlier shooting incident.

“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump said he will deliver a press conference from the White House briefing room in about 30 minutes and confirmed that the first lady, vice president and all Cabinet members are “in perfect condition.”

The president also said the event will be rescheduled within 30 days.

3 hours ago

Trump to deliver statement after White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting incident

President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a statement in the White House briefing room following the shooting incident that disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the update on X as Secret Service continues to assess the situation.

The president’s remarks are expected in approximately 30 minutes, or 10:15 p.m. Eastern Time.

Breaking News4 hours ago

Secret Service confirms suspect in custody after shooting near Correspondents’ Dinner screening area

The U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, officials said.

“The president and the first lady are safe along with all protectees,” Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

One individual is in custody, according to officials.

The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is continuing to investigate.

Breaking News4 hours ago

Trump praises Secret Service, says ‘shooter has been apprehended’ after Correspondents’ Dinner scare

President Donald Trump said the suspect involved in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner security scare has been apprehended, praising Secret Service and law enforcement for their response.

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” he added.

Trump said a final decision on whether the event will fully resume is expected shortly.

Breaking News4 hours ago

Trump expected to return to White House Correspondents’ Dinner after shooting suspect neutralized

President Donald Trump never left the White House Correspondents’ Dinner venue and remained nearby following the security scare that briefly disrupted the event, Fox News can confirm.

Trump was moved to a secure holding area as a precaution and “wants the show to go on,” according to Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich.

Sources familiar with the situation told Fox News an individual attempted to get through security screening with a gun but was stopped by Secret Service before entering the ballroom. The suspect has since been taken offsite.

Attendees from the head table were moved down the hall as agents worked to determine whether there were any additional threats. Officials have since indicated there are no ongoing threats, and the building is not being evacuated.

Staff are now working to reset the head table as the dinner prepares to resume.

Breaking News4 hours ago

Head table evacuated as Trump, First Lady escorted out of White House Correspondent’s Dinner

Chaos erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner when gunshots were heard and President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the Washington Hilton ballroom Saturday night.

Video from inside the event showed attendees diving under tables and taking cover as panic spread through the room.

Fox News’ John Roberts reported from the ballroom that shots were fired and that he had heard the suspected shooter was engaged by Secret Service.

Fox News anchor Bret Baier said he also heard shots fired, but noted they did not appear to originate from inside the ballroom.

Sources told Fox News the individual never made it inside the ballroom, was taken into custody and removed from the scene.

President Trump was seen being quickly escorted out of the room by security and White House officials tell Fox News Digital both he, the First Lady and Karoline Leavitt are safe at this time.

It remains unclear what prompted the incident.

This is a developing story; check back later for updates.

Breaking News5 hours ago

President Trump, First Lady arrive at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were announced at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, making a long-anticipated entrance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Vice President JD Vance is also in attendance and was announced before the Trumps made their entrance.

The night’s program is getting underway as guests settle in for speeches, roasts and what’s expected to be a closely watched appearance.

5 hours ago

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives at White House Correspondents’ Dinner with wife Jeanette

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night alongside his wife, Jeanette Christina Dousdebes Rubio, as red carpet arrivals continued at the Washington Hilton.

Rubio, dressed in a black tuxedo, appeared composed as he entered the venue, while his wife drew attention in an elegant strapless gown.

The appearance comes as Rubio remains at the center of ongoing foreign policy tensions, including developments related to Iran, as top administration officials gather for the annual event.

5 hours ago

Bret Baier, wife Amy arrive at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier arrived at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night alongside his wife, Amy Baier, as red carpet arrivals wrapped up at the Washington Hilton.

Baier, host of “Special Report,” wore a classic black tuxedo, while Amy stood out in a strapless metallic floral gown paired with a statement necklace.

Breaking News5 hours ago

Trump departs White House for Correspondents’ Dinner

President Donald Trump departed the White House Saturday evening en route to the Washington Hilton for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where he is set to attend for the first time as commander in chief.

Trump’s appearance marks a notable shift after skipping the event during his first term, with the president expected to join journalists, lawmakers and celebrities for the annual gathering.

The dinner, a longstanding Washington tradition, is known for its mix of speeches, glamour and comedic roasts.

6 hours ago

Taylor Lorenz spotted wearing mask years after pandemic at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

“Independent” journalist Taylor Lorenz was seen arriving at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night wearing a black face mask, drawing attention on the red carpet years after pandemic-era restrictions were lifted.

Lorenz, a controversial media figure, has previously faced criticism after a 2024 post referred to former President Joe Biden as a “war criminal.”

She joined other journalists, lawmakers and high-profile guests at the Washington Hilton for the annual event, where President Donald Trump is expected to attend later in the evening.

6 hours ago

Karoline Leavitt attends White House Correspondents’ Dinner ahead of maternity leave

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt arrived at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, appearing on the red carpet just a day after wrapping her final workday before maternity leave.

Leavitt, who is expecting her second child, a baby girl, wore a long-sleeved, sheer black shimmering gown as she joined administration officials, journalists and other guests at the Washington Hilton.

Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in American history, is also already a mother to son Nicholas or “Niko,” born in July of 2024.

Breaking News6 hours ago

Protesters rally outside White House Correspondents’ Dinner over Iran war

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Washington Hilton on Saturday night as the White House Correspondents’ Dinner got underway, with demonstrators holding signs reading “No war on Iran.”

Roughly 75 protesters were seen outside the venue, voicing opposition to the war in Iran as journalists, lawmakers and high-profile guests arrived for the annual event.

The demonstration unfolded just steps away from the red carpet, adding a note of political tension to the evening as President Donald Trump is set to attend the dinner for the first time as commander in chief.

The United States launched Operation Epic Fury against the Iranian regime on Feb. 28.

6 hours ago

Corke shares White House Correspondents’ Dinner ‘bingo card’ predictions on ‘The Big Weekend Show’

Fox News correspondent Kevin Corke previewed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with a tongue-in-cheek “bingo card” on The Big Weekend Show, sharing moments he expects could play out during the night.

The card included potential references to “fake news,” jabs at the media, a possible teleprompter glitch and even a “Hilton chicken roast,” a nod to the dinner’s long-running traditions.

The other panelists also shared their picks for the night during the segment.

This will be the first time President Donald Trump has attended the storied annual event as commander in chief.

7 hours ago

Trump Education Secretary Linda McMahon arrives at correspondents’ dinner in leopard print gown

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon arrived at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night wearing a leopard print gown as guests continued to make their way down the red carpet at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

McMahon was among a number of administration officials and media figures attending the annual event, which brings together journalists, lawmakers and high-profile guests for an evening of speeches and roasts.

7 hours ago

FLASHBACK: Obama tried to make Trump a punchline at 2011 dinner before rise stunned Washington

President Donald Trump will attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday, marking his first appearance at the annual event as commander in chief after skipping it throughout his first term.

The decision puts Trump back at a Washington ritual long tied to his fraught relationship with the press and political establishment. 

His return also revives memories of the 2011 dinner, when President Barack Obama and comedian Seth Meyers mocked Trump from the dais in a moment that later became a widely discussed part of Trump’s political story.

“Donald Trump is here tonight,” Obama said at the 2011 dinner. “Now, I know he’s taken some flak lately, but no one is happier, no one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than The Donald.

“And that’s because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter — like, did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?” he continued.

Trump had publicly called for the release of Obama’s birth certificate, which the State of Hawaii did release that year. 

The exchange underscored longstanding tensions between Trump and the Washington establishment that predated his entry into politics. Speculation mounted that the jabs helped fuel Trump’s eventual decision to launch a presidential run, culminating in a stunning upset victory in 2016.

Trump denied that Obama’s 2011 jokes prompted his candidacy, telling The Washington Post in 2016 that “there are many reasons I’m running, but that’s not one of them.”

“Donald Trump has been saying that he will run for president as a Republican, which is surprising since I just assumed he’d be running as a joke,” comedian Seth Meyers added when he took the podium that night.

Trump told Fox News’ “The Five” earlier this year he was treated “rudely and crudely” during the dinner, which he said influenced his decision not to attend while he was first in office.

“The press was so nasty, I just – so I didn’t do it,” said Trump.

He once again denied it was the 2011 dinner that sparked his interest in running for office.

“There is this theory: I was there while Barack Hussein Obama was speaking, and he was hitting me a little bit. Actually, it was very nice, and I was actually – I loved it. I really loved it,” said Trump.

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital’s Ashley DiMella.

7 hours ago

Jacqui Heinrich arrives at White House Correspondents’ Dinner with fiancé Brian Fitzpatrick

Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich arrived on the red carpet Saturday night alongside her fiancé, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., as guests began filing into the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Heinrich was among the early arrivals at the Washington Hilton, where journalists, lawmakers and celebrities gathered for the annual event.

President Donald Trump is expected to attend the dinner later in the evening, marking his first appearance at the event as commander in chief after skipping it during his first term.

Heinrich and Fitzpatrick were engaged last summer after the Pennsylvania congressman proposed in Provence, France.

7 hours ago

Trump to headline 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner for the first time as president

President Trump is attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday for the first time as commander in chief after boycotting the annual event last year and each year during his first term.

The dinner will take place Saturday, April 25, at the Washington Hilton.

“The White House Correspondents Association has asked me, very nicely, to be the Honoree at this year’s Dinner, a long and storied tradition since it began in 1924, under then President Calvin Coolidge,” Trump posted on his Truth Social last month, adding that it would be his “Honor to accept their invitation.” 

The White House Correspondents’ Association’s president, Weijia Jiang, said the organization was “happy” with the president’s decision to attend.

“For more than 100 years, the journalists of the White House Correspondents’ Association have enjoyed an evening with the president,” Jiang said in a statement last month. “We’re happy the president has accepted our invitation and look forward to hosting him.”

The president had skipped the event in years past, saying that decision was due to the press being “extraordinarily bad” to him.

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman.

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