Tuxedos, satin gowns and a surreal White House briefing after shooting – USA Today

WASHINGTON − The White House press briefing room took on a surreal appearance as the speakers and interrogators dressed in tuxedoes and evening gowns for one of the most elegant and anticipated parties of the year became a crime scene instead.
President Donald Trump in black tie had been evacuated from the Washington Hilton, where a gunman had opened fire outside a ballroom filled with the highest levels of American power and influence. Back safe at the White House, the president was flanked by Cabinet members who typically gather during business hours to discuss drier matters like tariffs or agriculture policy.
Vice President JD Vance, FBI Director Kash Patel, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin joined Trump on the stage of the briefing room. First lady Melania Trump stood to the side, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Reporters had rushed the briefing from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner − the women in colorful satin gowns, the men in black bow ties and shiny tuxedoes − jostled to make sense of another story of shocking political violence in a country where it has become too common.
“I see so many tuxedos and beautiful dresses. It was a little different evening than we thought but we’re going to do it again,” the president said.
Trump said the officer wounded in the attack but saved by a bulletproof vest was “doing great” and is in great shape.
“He was shot from a very close distance with a very powerful gun. The vest did the job,” Trump said.
“I just spoke to the officer and he’s doing great,” Trump added. “He’s in great shape. He has very high spirits. And we told him we love him and respect him. He’s a very proud guy. He’s proud of what he does.”
The press briefing room where Trump spoke is named after James Brady, President Ronald Reagan’s press secretary. Brady and Reagan were both shot in 1981 at the same hotel Trump had just left.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was postponed. Trump insisted another party would be held within 30 days, bigger and better than ever.
“I am ready, willing and able,” Trump said. “I don’t know if I could ever be as rough as I was going to be,” he said of what is traditionally a comic speech.
Trump was shot in the ear during a 2024 campaign rally. Another would be assassin was apprehended after stalking his golf course. Reporters asked if it was possible to turn down the temperature of political discourse.
Trump said politics is a dangerous profession, but that he leads “a pretty normal life considering it’s a dangerous life.”
“I think I handle it as well as it can be handled,” Trump said. “I’m not a basket case. I really take it as it is. I do it for the country.”
The president described hearing what he first thought might be a serving tray falling. The loud bangs sent the crowd ducking under tables.
Trump had been sitting on a raised platform and was quickly whisked away. He said he wanted to return, to carry on with the dinner, but the event ultimately was canceled. Law enforcement quickly announced that a suspect was in custody.
“It’s always shocking when something like this happens. That never changes,” Trump said. “I heard a noise and sort of thought it was a tray.”
“It was quite far away, but it was a gun,” he added.

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