Erika Kirk — widow of slain conservative icon Charlie Kirk — was visibly shaken and in tears as she was abruptly rushed out from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner when a crazed gunman opened fire outside the ballroom Saturday night, an eyewitness told The Post.
“I just want to go home. I just want to go home,” the distressed 37-year-old Turning Point USA CEO reportedly said after gunfire erupted at the Washington Hilton.
The shooting comes more than six months after her husband was shot dead at a speaking event at a Utah Valley University speaking event on Sept. 10.
Erika Kirk is rushed out of the Washington Hilton after the shooting. Sara Sidner/Instagram
The same eyewitness described Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being carried out by his security detail — one on each side supporting his weight — as his feet dragged along the floor.
The Health and Human Services Secretary, who attended the gala with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, appeared disoriented and “delirious,” according to the witness.
President Trump, first lady Melania, and a flood of senior officials were dramatically evacuated from the glitzy bash after alleged shooter Cole Tomas Allen, 31, fired multiple shots while storming a security checkpoint and rushing toward the ballroom with a shotgun and multiple knives, police and sources said.
Gunfire rang out about 20 minutes after Trump arrived to the event he’s boycotted since 2011.
Erika Kirk was seen with Fox News’ Lawrence Jones ahead of the event. Fox News
Suspected shooter Cole Allen is detained by law enforcement agents inside the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026. via REUTERS
Harrowing footage showed more than 2,000 panicked guests — including scores of Washington journalists and top White House officials — diving under tables for cover when the shooting broke out.
The deranged suspect, a teacher and Caltech grad from Torrance, California, was quickly taken down by Secret Service agents in the lobby.
Donald Pearsall / NY Post Design
One Secret Service agent was shot “from a very close distance with a very powerful gun” amid the chaos, but survived thanks to his bulletproof vest, Trump said, noting he’s being treated at a local hospital.
Security rapidly escort Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. out during the White House Correspondents Dinner, Saturday, April 25, 2026. AP
The New York Post front cover for April 26, 2026.
Police believe Allen was a guest at the hotel, where the annual event honoring the Washington press corps is held each year.
DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the gunman — who authorities have not identified — is charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer and two counts of using a gun to commit violence.
He will be arraigned Monday in federal court, with more charges expected, Pirro said.
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