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Questions are being raised about the security at Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.The annual event brings together journalists, celebrities, and government officials, including members of the president’s cabinet. When large groups of high-ranking officials gather, six designated levels of security can be applied. The correspondents’ dinner was not classified at the highest level.That top tier is known as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) — a designation granted by the Department of Homeland Security when there is a heightened risk of terrorism or major criminal activity. Events such as presidential inaugurations, major international summits, and national political conventions typically receive this classification. In those instances, the U.S. Secret Service leads a coordinated, multi-agency security effort that often requires thorough background checks and strict credentialing for all attendees.Private events like the correspondents’ dinner, however, do not automatically receive that designation. The National Investigative Unit reached out to the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), asking whether the dinner has ever been considered for that designation (including this year’s). WHCA did not respond at the time of print. Still, that does not mean security was absent. Our team of Hearst journalists who were at the dinner can attest to that firsthand. Access to the venue — the Washington Hilton hotel — was controlled. Guests (who were not staying at the hotel) were required to present a ticket to enter the property. Attendees had to show that ticket multiple times to move through different areas, including onto the terrace level, where guests gathered before the main event for a reception and pictures.From there, all attendees were funneled through a security checkpoint equipped with metal detectors before entering the main ballroom. Multiple law enforcement agencies and military personnel were also visibly present throughout the venue.Video from the scene shows the suspect, identified as Cole Allen, running through the security area on the terrace floor before being stopped at the top of a staircase. Those stairs led directly to the concourse level and into the ballroom where the dinner was underway.In response to the incident, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration will review security protocols with the Secret Service and consider potential changes for future events.It’s also important to note that the president and vice president are under constant Secret Service protection, which was in place that night. Other high-ranking officials also had their own security details, many of whom, our team says, responded immediately when shots were fired.
Questions are being raised about the security at Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
The annual event brings together journalists, celebrities, and government officials, including members of the president’s cabinet.
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When large groups of high-ranking officials gather, six designated levels of security can be applied. The correspondents’ dinner was not classified at the highest level.
That top tier is known as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) — a designation granted by the Department of Homeland Security when there is a heightened risk of terrorism or major criminal activity. Events such as presidential inaugurations, major international summits, and national political conventions typically receive this classification. In those instances, the U.S. Secret Service leads a coordinated, multi-agency security effort that often requires thorough background checks and strict credentialing for all attendees.
Private events like the correspondents’ dinner, however, do not automatically receive that designation. The National Investigative Unit reached out to the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), asking whether the dinner has ever been considered for that designation (including this year’s). WHCA did not respond at the time of print.
Still, that does not mean security was absent. Our team of Hearst journalists who were at the dinner can attest to that firsthand.
Access to the venue — the Washington Hilton hotel — was controlled. Guests (who were not staying at the hotel) were required to present a ticket to enter the property. Attendees had to show that ticket multiple times to move through different areas, including onto the terrace level, where guests gathered before the main event for a reception and pictures.
From there, all attendees were funneled through a security checkpoint equipped with metal detectors before entering the main ballroom. Multiple law enforcement agencies and military personnel were also visibly present throughout the venue.
Video from the scene shows the suspect, identified as Cole Allen, running through the security area on the terrace floor before being stopped at the top of a staircase. Those stairs led directly to the concourse level and into the ballroom where the dinner was underway.
In response to the incident, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration will review security protocols with the Secret Service and consider potential changes for future events.
It’s also important to note that the president and vice president are under constant Secret Service protection, which was in place that night. Other high-ranking officials also had their own security details, many of whom, our team says, responded immediately when shots were fired.
