‘Shots fired’: How the aborted gala for White House journalists unfolded |
‘Shots fired’: How the aborted gala for White House journalists unfolded
April 26, 2026 — 3:01pm
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Washington DC: ”Shots fired!” Those were the words that sent White House journalists, lobbyists, political staffers and the most senior members of the Trump administration ducking for cover under tables on what was supposed to be the night of nights for Washington’s media and political class.
The stage was set for a tantalising, record-breaking evening. Donald Trump, who had never attended the event as president, was at the long table at the front of the Hilton Hotel ballroom, alongside the first lady. Only moments earlier, one of his staffers was telling me how excited he was to deliver his speech – traditionally a comedic roast. A lot of time and effort went into crafting something memorable.
It wasn’t to be. Barely had the evening started – guests had just been told to sit for dinner – when gunshots........