White House Correspondents’ Dinner Postponed After April Shooting – Rescheduled for July


The annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, slated for April 25, was suspended after a gunman attempted to enter the venue, resulting in a shootout with Secret Service agents. The incident left one officer injured and prompted an immediate cancellation of the festivities.


The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) announced the event will now be held on July 24 at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC. The rescheduled dinner will feature significantly enhanced safety measures and new access procedures to prevent a repeat of the April assault.


President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the July gathering and hinted at a cautious approach to his speech, stating he expected to "avoid any nasty statements" that were planned for the original event.


In the immediate aftermath of the April shooting, the speaker at the partial event was hurriedly escorted offstage by Secret Service agents. The gunman—identified as 31‑year‑old Cole Tomas Allen—was reportedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives. He was subdued by agents on site.


The WHCA is working to refund ticket buyers from the cancelled April dinner and provide financial support for scholarship winners wishing to attend the July event. It has also committed to ensuring a more intimate and secure environment for journalists.



Array of journalists and officials at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
A shooting interrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April, prompting its postponement.


The Waldorf Astoria—originally a former post office turned hotel by the Trump Organization—will host the new event. The Trump family’s lease was sold in 2022, but the venue remains a familiar backdrop for the ceremony.


For further reading: Who shot a Secret Service officer at the Trump press dinner? and 'You just didn't know': Gary O'Donoghue describes confusion and fear at correspondents' dinner.