White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino on Saturday attempted to ignite a 'USA' chant following a shooting that left attendees shaken at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton, where Scavino, among several top administration officials, sought to create a MAGA-inspired moment after someone in the crowd shouted 'God bless America.'
Scavino's Attempt Falls Flat
Scavino, seen climbing over seating moments after President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were hurried away by the U.S. Secret Service, began chanting 'USA! USA!' Video footage shows at least one woman awkwardly continuing the chant before it was quickly silenced by the alarmed crowd. Most attendees were crouching toward the floor as law enforcement officers surveyed the scene from the event stage.
Puck News' Peter Hamby posted on X that 'absolutely no one wanted to hear' the chant, including 'Trump folks,' and described Scavino's effort as 'terrible.'
Background on the Shooting
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told 'Meet the Press' on Sunday that the suspect, who bypassed a security checkpoint and attempted to storm the ballroom with guns and knives before being tackled, is believed to have targeted members of the Trump administration. Scavino, who witnessed the 2024 assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, wrote on X that he never expected to 'hit the ground again' due to gunfire. 'Brings back a lot of terrible memories,' he posted. 'I am so thankful that everyone in attendance tonight is okay. We're all in this together, stay strong!'
