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On April 25, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner took an unexpected turn after what was supposed to be a glamorous night for politicians, journalists, celebrities, and public figures turned into a major security scare.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump had arrived at the Washington Hilton for the annual event, joined by Vice President JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, and several well-known faces from media and entertainment.

Rapper Nicki Minaj was also expected to attend as a guest of Fox News, but reports revealed she arrived late and was not present inside the ballroom when the chaos began, something that later became a big part of the memes online.

The incident happened just after 8.30 p.m., only about 20 minutes after Trump and Melania made their entrance and just as guests were finishing the salad course.

At the same time, many viewers at home were watching a live Timberwolves-Nuggets playoff game on TV when the broadcast was suddenly interrupted with breaking news coverage about gunsh*ts near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

That unexpected cut from the game became another major reason the internet reacted so fast, with many memes focusing on how abruptly people went from watching sports to seeing emergency White House coverage.

According to law enforcement sources, a man identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen allegedly rushed a security checkpoint armed with a shotg*n and multiple k*ives while trying to move toward the ballroom where Trump and hundreds of guests were gathered.

Secret Service agents quickly responded, and at least five shots were heard near the lobby area.

Guests reportedly ducked under tables while Trump, Melania, and other top officials were rushed out by security.

One Secret Service agent was sh*t at close range but survived because of a bulletproof vest. Authorities later revealed the suspect was taken into custody, and there was no longer any threat to the public.

This was also not the first time someone had attempted to target Trump, which added even more attention to the situation and made many people online react strongly.

Once it was confirmed that no one had suffered fatal injuries and the immediate danger had passed, X quickly shifted from panic to jokes.

Between Nicki Minaj missing the drama entirely, the interrupted game broadcast, and the chaos of such a high-profile dinner, netizens flooded social media with spicy memes, and honestly, the internet wasted no time.

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    GenericElder
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is she "worthless"? She did her job in both cases, same as other MALE agents.

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    Mrs Irish Mom
    Community Member
    2 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    6 dudes I've no idea who they all are, is that bad, im not America btw 👍💚🤍💛

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    Barbara Hill
    Community Member
    50 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder what they are going to do with the one agent who ducked out of the way. Fire them?

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Follow on Google News

    #16

    A tweet from Geiger Capital regarding a major security incident at White House dinner, referencing a ballroom.

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    WindySwede
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it's not an ballroom, its a 'tactical data center bunker'? 🤷‍♂️

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    #19

    A tweet from @GianmarcoSoresi, dated Apr 26, 2026, reads, "Can't believe the White House correspondents' mind reader didn't see it coming." The tweet refers to a major security incident at White House.

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    GenericElder
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For those who haven't heard: this year instead of a comedian to roast the POTUS at the corrrespondents' dinner they'd scheduled a "Mentalist" (remember that TV show?)

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    CaliPanda
    Community Member
    11 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would. Once those bottles are ordered and delivered, they’re purchased. Waste not, want not.

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    #24

    A White House dinner guest looking confused, juxtaposed with a meme asking "First time?" This security incident has netizens reacting.

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    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t get this. I can’t see what the note says, first of all, and second, I gather I missed something? If it’s funny, I’d be grateful if someone could clue me in, and if it’s not, then never mind.

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    GenericElder
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do people keep saying this? The shooter did NOT get past security - he was caught IN the security screening center FFS.

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    #28

    A tweet from Meacham joking about pyrotechnics instead of gunshots, reacting to a White House dinner security incident.

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    B Parke
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As fast as she moves on from tragedy, I'm sure she's over this already.

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    #31

    Man with a concerned expression and an American flag in the background, a meme about a security incident at White House.

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    B Parke
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the guy from Animal Control, right?

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    Norm Gilmore
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "from now on, every day is a grift". Fixed it for you...

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    #38

    A tweet shows a fading image of Abe over a sunset with trees, hinting at a security incident.

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    Kelly Scott
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What I want to know is why the hell people can't shoot straight anymore.

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