April 26, 2026
Security under scrutiny as WHCD attendees cite inconsistent screening before shooting
Some attendees raised concerns about security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, describing what they say was inconsistent screening at the venue.
TL;DR
- A shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner has raised questions about security protocols.
- Some attendees described a lack of rigorous screening, with only a paper ticket required for entry into the main ballroom.
- Others felt the security was typical for an event attended by the president, with plainclothes and uniformed officers present.
- Lawmakers like Rep. Mike Lawler and Sen. John Fetterman expressed strong concerns about security gaps, including the absence of magnetometers and the venue's suitability for presidential succession.
- Former White House official Harrison Fields noted the absence of checkpoints into the hotel itself.
- Kari Lake, a Trump ally, described the security as "terrible" and the easiest event she'd ever accessed with the president present.
- The Secret Service and federal law enforcement are reported to have acted swiftly to secure President Trump and other officials.
- The Washington Hilton has a history of hosting high-level government events and has hosted the WHCD annually since 1968.
- Investigations are expected to examine the incident and potential security failures.