Erika Kirk Escorted Out as Gunfire Disrupts White House Dinner
Erika Kirk Was Found 'Traumatized Under the Table' at the White House Correspondents' Dinner After Shots Rang Out
Erika Kirk, whose husband Charlie Kirk was assassinated months ago, was among those present when shots rang out at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
According to Fox News, Kirk was visibly shaken and was described as "traumatized under the table" following the incident.
Reports indicated FBI Director Kash Patel briefly checked on Kirk following the incident. A video also went viral featuring Kirk, where she said, "I just want to go home," as she was escorted out of a room by security.
Video shows Erika Kirk in tears
Donald and Melania Trump rushed away too
According to RadarOnline, panic erupted inside the Washington Hilton hotel after four shots were fired during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were among the attendees and were escorted to safety as the Secret Service secured the building.
Other notable personalities in attendance were the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Following this shooting incident, Trump also took to his Truth Social platform and confirmed that law enforcement was able to apprehend the suspect. "I have recommended that we 'Let the Show Go On' but will be entirely guided by law enforcement," Trump wrote. "They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just plain have to do it again."
WH Event to be Rescheduled
Despite posting on Truth Social that he favored continuing the event, Trump was subsequently asked by law enforcement to leave the premises. In a separate post on social media, the president confirmed that "the first lady, the vice president and all Cabinet members are in perfect condition."
The shooting happened on the level above the ballroom where the White House Correspondents Association dinner was.
"We will be speaking to you in half an hour," he added. "I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days." Trump himself survived an assassination attempt months ago when a bullet grazed his ear during a public address.
During the shooting, a Secret Service officer was struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital. Trump said the officer was "in very great shape" and credited his ballistic vest with protecting him.
Also, an investigation has been going on, and a federal official familiar with the investigation identified the suspect as Cole Thomas Allen of Torrance, California.