WHCA President Calls Dinner Shooting a “Harrowing Moment,” Board to Meet on Next Steps

White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) President Weijia Jiang described the April 25, 2026, shooting during the group’s annual dinner at the Washington Hilton as a “harrowing moment” for attendees, while commending the swift response of security personnel.

“Last night’s shooting at the Washington Hilton was a harrowing moment for everyone in attendance,” Jiang said in a statement issued April 26. “We express our deepest gratitude to the U.S. Secret Service and all law enforcement personnel who ensured the safety of everyone in the ballroom and beyond. Their actions protected thousands of guests, and we wish a full and speedy recovery to the officer who was injured in the line of duty.”

Jiang added that the association is “grateful” that all attendees, including the President, the First Lady, and the Vice President, were “unharmed.”

“Our dinner exists to celebrate the First Amendment and the hard daily work of the journalists who defend it,” she said. “Last night, those journalists showed exactly the kind of calm and courage that work demands, jumping into reporting immediately after the incident unfolded. We are proud of everyone in that room.”

She noted that the WHCA board will meet to review the incident and consider next steps.

“We will provide updates as soon as any are available,” the statement added.

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