While panic spread through the Washington Hilton ballroom during the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, one moment quickly took on a life of its own online.
Saturday night during the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and several others were escorted out of the ballroom after gunfire was reported.
Authorities quickly brought the situation under control and confirmed that Trump and all individuals under protection were unharmed. The suspected gunman, Cole Thomas Allen, was allegedly armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives, exchanging gunfire with law enforcement before he was taken down and arrested.
As guests and reporters left the room, a woman was caught on camera calmly collecting bottles of wine from nearby tables.
“How shameless”
The unidentified blonde was seen heading straight for a table and gathering multiple bottles as the chaotc scene unfolded around her.
The shooting happened early in the evening, meaning many tables were still filled with untouched wine. It’s not known whether she attended as a journalist or as a guest.
But once footage of the moment began circulating, reactions were immediate – and divided. Some were quick to criticize what they saw as inappropriate behavior given the seriousness of the situation.
“So, there you have press members STEALING wine bottles: this is who the press is! Repugnant!” one user wrote, according to New York Post.
“How shameless, after the shooting incident, journalists are stealing liquor bottles in the same hall where President Donald Trump was also present,” another added.
Some are defending her
Others, however, defended the move, arguing that the wine had already been paid for and left behind.
“How is this stealing? They were placed on the tables for dinner. They were meant to be consumed. Everything was already paid for,” one person wrote.
“Bro they paid $350+ a plate and the night got canceled early, free wine tax refund is fair game,” a user wrote.
The woman wasn’t the only one spotted leaving with bottles. Other attendees were also seen exiting the ballroom with wine as the situation unfolded.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, is facing two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime and one count of assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, according to US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro.
