United States — Ekhbary News Agency
A presidential dinner at the Washington Hilton was plunged into chaos when attendees heard what was described as the "low thudding sound of gunfire," prompting immediate panic and a scramble for cover. The incident, recounted by a blind attendee who focused on the sounds of shattering glass and semi-automatic weapons, led to the swift evacuation of President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice-President JD Vance by the Secret Service.
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The eyewitness described the moments after the initial sounds, noting how a colleague immediately dove for the floor, and many others ran into the ballroom. For several minutes, attendees remained under tables, fearing a gunman might enter the room where approximately 2,500 people were gathered. Secret Service agents were seen rushing the President and his family from the stage, while other agents took defensive positions, guns drawn, scanning the crowd for further threats. High-profile officials, including Health Secretary RFK Jr. and FBI Director Kash Patel, were also present and took cover during the incident.
Security Concerns Raised
The event occurred amidst heightened security concerns, with the author recalling a previous close call for the president in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. Despite roads around the Hilton being closed for hours by law enforcement, the security at the venue itself was perceived as notably lax. The eyewitness noted a cursory ticket check and a seemingly uninterested agent during a security wanding, suggesting a level of security more typical of an event without a sitting president. The incident immediately raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures for such high-profile gatherings.
