Trump says Washington dinner gunman “hates Christians”
The U.S. president said the shooter at the Washington ballroom dinner harbored hatred for Christians and had left behind a “manifesto” targeting officials before the attack.
On April 26, 2026, a shooting occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, after which U.S. President Donald Trump was evacuated. He was not injured. Commenting on the incident, he said the suspect “hates Christians” and had acted out of religious hatred, Hindustan Times reports.
According to the U.S. president, the detainee had a “manifesto” which, in his words, showed strong hostility toward Christians. “When you read his manifesto, he hates Christians. That's one thing for sure,” he stressed.
The president also said the suspect “was a very troubled guy,” adding that his relatives knew about his radical views and “were even complaining to law enforcement.”
According to law enforcement, an armed man opened fire near a screening area at the entrance to the hall where the president and members of his administration were present. The attacker was quickly detained by Secret Service agents.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators are considering the possibility that the suspect may have been targeting administration officials, including the president himself. His electronic devices are currently being examined, and investigators are working to establish the motives behind the attack.
The incident occurred outside the main hall, and according to the Secret Service, the assailant was unable to approach the event participants, who were urgently evacuated.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Trump had taken part in a Bible-reading marathon.
