NPR News: 04-26-2026 5AM EDT

Gunfire disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton, prompting a Secret Service evacuation of President Trump and the First Lady. Other headlines include French President Macron's criticism of U.S. NATO policy, ongoing wildfires in Georgia, a strong box office debut for a Michael Jackson biopic despite poor reviews, and an upcoming state visit by King Charles.

Shooting at Correspondents' Dinner

An investigation began after reports of shots fired during the dinner last night. NPR's Franco Ordoñez described chaos as plates were cleared: at least three bangs echoed from the back, followed by people and trays crashing to the floor amid screams. Security agents in tactical gear from the Secret Service, FBI, and DEA rushed in. A suspect charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons but was quickly taken down by Secret Service members; he wore a bulletproof vest and had been staying at the hotel. President Trump, after evacuation to the White House, praised the agents for their speed, calling the room's unified response "very beautiful." Prosecutors expect federal charges including firearms offenses and assault on a federal officer. The incident highlights vulnerabilities at high-profile events near the president.