WASHINGTON D.C. — After a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2024, guests at the subsequent TIME afterparty at the Swiss ambassador’s residence refused to let the unsettling event spoil the night.
A Defiant Celebration
Despite the gunfire that erupted just outside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner was being held — attendees of the prestigious event, including President Trump, found their way to the afterparty at the Woodley Park residence, just a mile and a half away. The atmosphere was far from somber, as many journalists, DC insiders, and politicians continued the festivities in a defiant display of resilience.
However, the mood was somewhat subdued compared to previous years. The afterparty had a noticeably smaller attendance, and security was heightened, with magnetometers and a more thorough screening process at the entrance. Guests had to show both their photo IDs and be checked off a list before entering, signaling heightened vigilance following the nearby shooting.
A Different Vibe
Though the weather was a bit chilly with sprinkles of rain, guests gathered under the canopy or inside to enjoy free drinks and appetizers. The event featured a mix of lawmakers, like Rep. Greg Amo (D-RI), and influencers such as CJ Pearson, though fewer political figures attended compared to the previous year’s afterparty.
TMZ reporters, dressed casually in jeans, were also spotted mingling with the more formally dressed crowd. The party had the usual DC schmoozing, with operatives sharing stories about their recent election victories, while drunken reporters traded anecdotes about the shooting earlier in the evening.
Survivors Share Stories
Guests who had attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner gathered to exchange stories about their experience during the chaotic moments when the gunshots interrupted the event. Some partygoers even brought souvenirs, such as glasses from the Washington Hilton ballroom, marking the history of the night.
In the aftermath of the shooting, many guests were receiving texts and calls from loved ones, worried about their safety, though the overall sense of relief prevailed as no one was reported injured in the incident.
Dance, Drinks, and Cigars
As the night wore on, the afterparty continued with loud music, dancing, and even some guests stepping out onto the deck with a view of the Washington Monument, enjoying cigars and vaping. The lively party persisted well into the early morning, with the hosts gradually encouraging guests to head home around 3 a.m..
