Trump was scheduled to speak at the event, which was also attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members, and congressmen. It remains unclear whether Trump was the direct target of the attack.
Following the incident, Trump stated that he was "once again experiencing attacks from potential assassins" and recalled that he had previously faced serious threats.
This event is the latest in a series of security incidents involving Trump. During the 2024 campaign, he survived two assassination attempts that triggered investigations and leadership changes within the Secret Service.
In Butler, Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired a shot in July 2024, lightly wounding Trump in the ear at a campaign rally.
In September 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh was seen with a rifle at the Trump International Golf Club while Trump was playing on the course. A Secret Service agent fired at Routh, who fled. He was later arrested and is now serving a life sentence.
In June 2016, a 20-year-old British national attempted to grab a police officer's gun at a Trump rally in Las Vegas, later telling agents he intended to kill Trump.
In September 2017, a man stole a forklift in North Dakota and drove it toward the presidential motorcade, intending to overturn the limousine.
In September 2020, a French-Canadian national sent Trump a letter containing deadly ricin.
In July 2024, a Pakistani national was arrested and later convicted for allegedly conspiring to assassinate Trump on orders from, as reported, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In February 2026, the Secret Service fatally shot a 21-year-old man who, armed with a shotgun and a canister of gasoline, entered the Mar-a-Lago area while Trump was in Washington.
Speaking after the latest incident, Trump said that political engagement in the United States is extremely risky.
"I can't imagine there being a more dangerous profession," Trump said during his remarks to reporters.
Despite everything, Trump stated that the White House Correspondents' Dinner would be held again within the next 30 days, emphasizing that such incidents would not stop regular political activities.