An unfortunate turn of phrase took on chilling significance Saturday evening when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's preview of President Donald Trump's speech was followed by actual gunfire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Speaking to Fox News on the red carpet at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, April 25, Leavitt, 28, previewed the president's planned remarks with enthusiasm. "[Trump] is ready to rumble," she told the network. "I will tell you, this speech tonight will be classic Donald J. Trump."
She then declared, "[The speech] will be funny. It will be entertaining. There will be some shots fired tonight in the room."
Minutes later, the metaphorical became literal. Leavitt, who is pregnant, was evacuated from the Washington Hilton ballroom alongside Donald, 79, first lady Melania Trump, and other administration officials when shots rang out near the venue's "main magnetometer," according to the Secret Service.
Washington D.C. law enforcement officials confirmed that a 31-year-old man from California, identified by multiple media outlets as Cole Tomas Allen, was apprehended during the shooting incident. He has been charged with two counts of using a firearm and one count of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. The suspect's motives and condition remain unknown.
A Secret Service agent was shot during the crossfire. The president later confirmed in a news conference that the injured agent was recovering in the hospital. "The vest did its job. I just spoke to the officer and he's doing great," he told reporters.
The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a temporary farewell for Leavitt, who is expected to deliver her second child very soon. Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, also share a son, Niko, who was born in July 2024.
"This will likely be my last gaggle for some time," she told reporters on Friday, April 24. "As you can see, I'm about ready to have a baby any minute, so I will see you guys very soon."
She added, "I know you'll be in good hands with my team here at the White House. And I know all of you have the president's phone number personally, so I have no doubt that you will have no shortage of statements and news from this building while I'm gone."
However, Leavitt was unexpectedly thrust back onto the job following the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner as she personally confirmed that Trump planned to hold a press conference late Saturday night.
The star-studded guest list for Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner included Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, whose late husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot at age 31 in September 2025. CNN reported that she was seen crying and telling aides she "just want[ed] to leave" following the shooting.
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing presidential events and the unpredictable nature of threats against high-profile government officials. The investigation into the shooting continues as federal authorities work to determine the suspect's motivations and any potential connections to extremist groups or ideologies.