Actress Cheryl Hines is recalling her “crazy” experience during the shooting at this year’s White House Correspondents’ dinner.
“I just got back from the White House Correspondent’s Dinner,” Hines, who is married to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said via Instagram on Saturday, April 25. “That was a crazy, um, moment in time.”
She continued, “So we were there and we heard shots and everybody got under the tables. Nobody knew what was going on. And then you know, Bobby’s security detail surrounded us and took us. I mean, really, like, had to lift me over chairs because I’m in heels and a gown. And they took us through all of the back ways and we got in the car and left.”
Gunfire was heard outside the ballroom shortly after the annual event meant to celebrate freedom of the press and the first amendment began, causing widespread panic among those in attendance. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, first lady Melania Trump, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and other members of the Trump administration were quickly evacuated.
One secret service member was shot, though the agent’s ballistic vest protected him. He was released from the hospital that evening and reportedly sent home. No one else was harmed during the incident.
A 31-year-old from California — who recently won a “teacher of the year” award — was apprehended and is expected to be charged in federal court on Monday, April 27. Authorities believe the alleged shooter, armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives, was targeting the president and members of his administration.
“We believe [what] happened, at least as of now, is that the suspect traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, and then Chicago to Washington, D.C., where he checked into the hotel where the correspondents’ dinner was at in the last day or two,” Todd Blanche, acting attorney general, told Meet the Press on Sunday, April 26.
Shortly after he was evacuated from the dinner, President Trump took to social media to praise the authorities for their swift action during the incident.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” he wrote via his social media platform, Truth Social. “The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
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The event was ultimately canceled, though the president claims it will be rescheduled within 30 days.
Hines, who has been the subject of some controversy for her decision to stick by her husband as he peddles anti-vaccination conspiracy theories, shared a second update via Instagram on Saturday, thanking fans for their concern.
“So, um, thank you for everyone reaching out, asking if we’re okay, and we are okay, and I thank you for that,” she said. “Um, I’m in my pajamas now. Watching the news break, just like you guys. Um, but everybody stays [sic] safe.”
