How did the WHCA attack happen?

23, Jun 2026

NBC News revisits the chaotic night and what security looked like at the dinner where prosecutors say a man tried to assassinate the president.

Security Scare at The White House Correspondents' Dinner with President Trump

Armed Secret Service agents at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026.Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

April 27, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT

By Yasmin Vossoughian and Emily Ngo

A 31-year-old California man was charged this afternoon in federal court with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, interstate transportation of weapons and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. He did not have to enter a plea during the hearing.

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