BREAKING NEWS'Traumatized' Erika Kirk Cries Under Table as Gunfire Erupts at White House Correspondents' Dinner 7 Months After Husband Charlie's Murder: Watch
Erika Kirk was left 'traumatized' after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
April 25 2026, Updated 11:25 p.m. ET
A trembling Erika Kirk had a terrified reaction as gunfire erupted at the 2026 White House Correspondents' Dinner.
The widow of Charlie Kirk — who was assassinated just seven months prior to the Saturday, April 25, event — was "traumatized under the table" after shots broke out at the Washington Hilton, TV presenter Brian Kilmeade reported to Fox News.
"Kash Patel was with her for a second," the conservative commentator noted of the FBI director.
Erika Kirk was sobbing while rushed away by security after gunfire broke out at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
According to a CNN reporter, Erika "rushed by in tears" after being "there in the room."
Erika Kirk's husband, Charlie Kirk, was shot dead in September 2025.
"Police say gun shots were fired," journalist Sara Sidner revealed via Instagram alongside a video of Erika looking distraught while all dolled up for the occasion.
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Erika Kirk was seen hiding under a table after gunfire occurred.
As OK! previously reported, Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, were rushed to safety roughly 30 minutes after their arrival at the highly-anticipated evening amid reports of a gunman in the lobby of the venue.
The Secret Service sprung into action as attendees reportedly heard loud shots go off. Several news outlets alleged the suspect has been detained.
Donald and Melania Trump in 'Perfect Condition' After Shooting
Donald Trump confirmed he and Melania Trump are in 'perfect condition' after the shooting.
President Trump spoke out after the event, updating fans via Truth Social: "Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room."
"The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition," the Republican leader confirmed. "We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days."
One officer was shot during the ordeal.
President Trump eventually made his way to the press briefing, where he confirmed the suspect had been "captured" and called the shooter a "sick man."
The 79-year-old additionally uploaded a photo of the suspect being handcuffed on the ground, as well as surveillance footage of the individual sprinting past security before officers pulled out their weapons.
Donald noted one officer had been shot, but was "saved by the fact that he was wearing a very good bulletproof vest."
"He's in great shape. He's in very high spirits. We told him we love him and respect him, and he's very proud of what he does," the POTUS expressed. "We looked at all of the conditions that took place tonight, I will say, it's not a particularly secure building. I didn't want to say this, but this is why we have to have all the attributes of what we're planning at the White House."
