- By Ajeet Kumar
- Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Journalists seen eating, taking wine during WHCD lockdown.
- Viral videos spark online debate over media behavior.
- Attendees criticized for "tone-deaf" actions amid chaos.
An evening meant to celebrate journalism took a bizarre turn when scenes from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner showed some high-profile journalists continuing to eat at a time when everyone was finding it difficult to seek a safe location. Several videos are now going viral wherein some women journalists were seen taking bottles of wine as panic unfolded at the event. Besides, some social media influencers were also seen capturing selfies at the chaotic event
The annual event, held at the Washington Hilton Hotel, was turned into a chaotic event after a 31-year-old shooter triggered a security response and temporary lockdown. While law enforcement moved swiftly to secure the area, some journalists captured busy in unexpected behaviour inside the ballroom.
Nothing’s stopping this guy from finishing that plate 😂 pic.twitter.com/n8fB9OFrT9
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 26, 2026
The highlight of the shooting is all the press and influencers yoinking bottles of wine and champagne. Good on them for that. pic.twitter.com/4Ht0bPEXdn
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) April 26, 2026
In several clips, journalists and guests appear seated at their tables, calmly finishing meals despite the unfolding situation. In another video, a few women attendees were seen picking up unopened wine bottles and slipping them into bags or carrying them out as confusion spread.
Bro they are removing the journos from the ballroom and journos are taking all the booze with them two bottles at a time LMAOOOOO pic.twitter.com/Y44V07lpro
— Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) April 26, 2026
Social media users trolled journalists for weired behaviour
The visuals have since sparked a heated debate online, with critics calling the behaviour "tone-deaf" and "deeply inappropriate" given the seriousness of the incident. "People were reportedly taking cover, and yet others were treating it like the night wasn’t interrupted," one user wrote on X. "When democracy is under attack, secure the premium liquor first," an X user, ArchiAbouelenin, wrote on social media platform.
😎🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/ILcobrYAWr
— AHMED ABOUELENIN (@ArchiAbouelenin) April 26, 2026
However, some attendees pushed back against the criticism, arguing that many inside the ballroom were not immediately aware of the scale of the threat. Others noted that event staff had not initially ordered a full evacuation, leaving guests uncertain about whether to remain seated or move.
No official response from journalists association
Security officials later confirmed that the situation was brought under control and that the threat was neutralised. There has been no official comment linking the behaviour inside the venue to any safety violations. The White House Correspondents' Association, which hosts the event, has yet to issue a detailed statement addressing the viral footage.
ALSO READ: What Really Happened At White House Correspondents' Dinner? A Minute-By-Minute Breakdown Of Events
You may also like to watch
