Cheryl Hines Recounts Dramatic Evacuation From Dinner Attack

Clear Facts

• Cheryl Hines and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after suspected gunman Cole Allen opened fire at a security checkpoint
• Secret Service and security personnel lifted Hines over chairs and escorted the couple through back corridors to safety
• President Trump and other attendees, including those previously targeted by political violence, were quickly secured as law enforcement neutralized the threat

Actress Cheryl Hines took to social media Saturday night to share the harrowing moments as she and her husband, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner following an active shooter incident.

“Okay so I just got back from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. That was a crazy moment in time,” Hines said via her Instagram Stories.

“So we were there, and we heard shots, everybody got under the tables, nobody knew what was going on, and then Bobby’s security detail surrounded us, and took us, had to lift me over chairs, because I’m in heels, and a gown. They took us through all of the back ways, and we got in the car and left.”

The incident unfolded when 31-year-old Cole Allen of California reportedly stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton Hotel and opened fire. President Donald Trump was immediately evacuated from the ballroom as Secret Service protocols activated. Video footage from inside the event captured attendees diving under tables as security personnel moved swiftly to protect high-profile guests.

Shortly after reaching safety, Hines provided an update to concerned followers.

“Thank you for everyone reaching out asking if we’re okay, and we are okay. I’m in my pajamas now watching the news break just like you guys, but everybody stay safe.”

The attack carried particular significance for several attendees whose lives have been touched by political violence. Secretary Kennedy, nephew of President John F. Kennedy, comes from a family tragically marked by two assassinations. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who survived a 2017 shooting at a congressional baseball practice, was also present, as was TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk.

President Trump addressed the incident during a late-night press conference from the White House, praising the rapid response of law enforcement and Secret Service personnel.

“The people that make the biggest impact, they’re the ones that [shooters] go after. They don’t go after the ones that don’t do much because they like it that way.”

Trump commended the security response as exemplary.

“[The suspect] had a long way to go. That was really a first line of defense. And they got him. And they really, you know, they acted incredibly.”

An HHS official confirmed to Fox News Digital that Secretary Kennedy was swiftly escorted from the venue as security protocols were implemented. The suspected gunman was taken into custody without further incident.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of public officials and the constant vigilance required by security personnel. The professionalism displayed by Secret Service and law enforcement prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.

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