WASHINGTON — Following a shooting outside the venue, a crowd of attendees at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, including President Trump, defiantly celebrated in tuxedos and costumes on Saturday night.
Despite the troubling events, journalists and political figures gathered at the Swiss ambassador’s mansion for the Time magazine afterparty, which turned out to be one of the evening’s highlights following the dinner.
The vibe felt a bit more subdued compared to previous years, and the turnout was noticeably smaller. However, the security screening at the opulent Woodley Park mansion, located about a mile and a half from the dinner location, seemed to take longer than in the past.
Security personnel appeared particularly on edge as they monitored entry with magnetometers.
Guests had to both show photo IDs and check off their names from a list to be admitted, unlike the usual entry for the dinner at the Washington Hilton.
Light rain and cool temperatures nudged most attendees to seek shelter under a canopy, where they were welcomed with complimentary drinks and appetizers.
Notable attendees included Rep. Greg Amo (D-RI) and influencer C.J. Pearson, moving the party along. Interestingly, there seemed to be fewer lawmakers compared to last year’s gathering.
The buzz around the gossip outlet’s DC comeback has been significant, with several TMZ reporters spotted mingling in casual jeans among a sea of tuxedos and formal dresses.
The atmosphere was filled with the usual DC banter, with some powerful individuals boasting about their successes in recent elections, claiming they played key roles in those outcomes.
In a light-hearted moment, President Trump suggested organizing another White House Correspondents’ Dinner in about 30 days to compensate for Saturday’s troubled event.
As the evening progressed, some reporters jokingly accepted the importance of alcohol in their line of work.
Just hours before the shooting led to the event being cut short, conversations buzzed about the experiences at the Washington Hilton. The afterparty drew a mix of guests, some who had been at the dinner and others who opted out due to the incident.
Stay informed about the latest updates regarding the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Guests mingled, taking glasses from the ballroom as keepsakes of the night and the significant events they had witnessed.
As news of the shooting circulated, many at the afterparty received concerned calls and texts from friends and family. Yet, the overall mood remained buoyant, with relief that no one was injured.
A packed room buzzed with energy, people dancing to loud music, while others enjoyed cigars and e-cigarettes outside, taking in views of the plum blossoms near the Washington Monument. The lively festivities continued until after 3 a.m., when organizers began to gently encourage guests to wrap up the night.
