Texas leaders react after Trump evacuation at White House press dinner

Mateo Rosiles, USA TODAY NETWORK Sun, April 26, 2026 at 2:30 AM UTC

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Top government leaders in Texas responded after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner and attendees dropped to the floor after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton hotel.

The White House Correspondents Association was set to host its annual dinner on Saturday night, April 25, celebrating the First Amendment, but the event was canceled due to reports of shots being fired in rooms above the ballroom where the event was held.

Trump, the first lady and all cabinet secretaries in attendance were evacuated and have been reported to be safe.

1 / 0Trump officials evacuate White House press dinner amid reported shooting

Security officials evacuate U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as a possible shooter opened fire during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 25, 2026. President Donald Trump, who was in attendance, said a shooter was apprehended in a social media post.Trump and first lady Melania Trump were evacuated out of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner minutes after it began, as attendees took cover on the floor.

Chief of communications for the Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, said on social media that one person is in Secret Service custody.

No injuries have been reported as of 8:45 p.m. Central Time.

Gov. Greg Abbott: Thanks to Secret Service for swift, decisive action

This event sparked several high-ranking Texas leaders to take to social media to comment on the situation. Chiefly among them was Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who said prayers had been answered with the president's and all attendees' safety.

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"Many thanks to the U.S. Secret Service for their swift, decisive action to neutralize the threat and protect all in attendance," read Abbott's post. "May God continue to bless and protect our great nation."

Other leaders include Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who passed along his prayers, and state House Speaker Dustin Burrows.

"As we continue to monitor, may God bless and protect our country and her leaders," read Burrows' social media post.

The situation is still unfolding with the event being canceled and rescheduled for a later date. President Trump said on social media that he will speak on the matter from the White House later tonight.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: Texas Gov. Abbott, AG Paxton respond after DC press dinner scare

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