Kaitlan Collins and Jake Tapper Report Live from Hilton Ballroom: Sources Confirm Shooter Stopped

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was interrupted by reports of gunfire on Saturday night, prompting an immediate security response and the rushed removal of President Donald Trump from the Hilton ballroom in Washington, D.C.

According to initial reports from Kaitlan Collins and Jake Tapper, who were live from the scene, sources indicated that a shooter had been “stopped” by security personnel. The incident occurred during the annual event, which brings together journalists, politicians, and celebrities for a night of speeches and tradition.

Jake Tapper later defended his colleague Kaitlan Collins on social media after President Trump criticized her questioning during the event, calling her “stupid and nasty” in a post on Truth Social. Tapper responded by highlighting Collins’ professionalism, noting that her question about the White House ballroom renovations was legitimate and that she is both smart and nice.

The White House Correspondents’ Association, which organizes the annual dinner, has historically worked to maintain press access to the presidency and operates independently of the White House. The group was founded in 1914 and has traditionally seen every president attend at least one dinner since Calvin Coolidge in 1924 — with the exception of Donald Trump.

Following the disturbance, the association confirmed that the White House had announced changes to press access protocols, stating that the WHCA would no longer determine which outlets are allowed access to the president. This shift marks a significant change in the relationship between the press corps and the administration.

As of now, no official casualties have been reported, and law enforcement has not released further details about the individual involved or the circumstances surrounding the incident. The event remains under investigation by federal authorities.