The BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue recounts the tense moment he and others heard gunfire nearby while attending an event with former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton during a presidential dinner, where O’Donoghue describes the sudden sounds of shots and the immediate reaction of those present.
Gunfire Nearby at Washington Hilton Event
O’Donoghue explains that he had just finished eating when he noticed faint thudding sounds coming from the direction of the ballroom’s main entrance. As someone who is blind, he relies heavily on sound and quickly recognized the noise as gunfire from semi-automatic weapons. The shattering of glass followed, prompting him and his colleagues to dive for cover under the tablecloth.
His colleague Daniel brushed past him as he dropped to the floor, and they, along with others, stayed hidden for five to ten minutes, uncertain if the gunman had entered the ballroom. The event was attended by approximately two-and-a-half thousand people, and the atmosphere quickly turned chaotic with screaming and running.
Security and Immediate Response
O’Donoghue notes that the security at the venue felt relatively light despite the presence of the president. Roads around the Hilton had been closed for hours, but inside, the security checks were minimal. For example, the man at the door only glanced at tickets from a distance, and although O’Donoghue was scanned with a wand, he was not asked to empty his pockets despite setting off alarms.
During the incident, Secret Service agents quickly moved President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice-President JD Vance to safety on the stage behind the crowd. Other agents, equipped with helmets and bulletproof vests, scanned the room for additional threats.
Notable Attendees and Aftermath
Among those present was Health Secretary RFK Jr., who was seated near O’Donoghue before the shooting began. FBI Director Kash Patel was also in the ballroom, seen on the floor shielding his girlfriend while a Secret Service agent rushed to assist him.
After the shooting, those under the table tried to get phone signals to broadcast and gather more information. O’Donoghue reflects on the recurring nature of such incidents in the United States and the uncertainty about how many times people can experience such danger before tragedy strikes.