Dana White Calls White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting “F—ing Awesome”

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

WASHINGTON, D.C. — UFC President Dana White has sparked controversy after describing the chaotic evacuation of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as “f—ing awesome,” following a shooting incident that left a Secret Service agent injured.

What Happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was abruptly canceled on the evening of April 25, 2026, after a gunman stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held. According to verified reports, the assailant shot a Secret Service agent, who was later reported to be in stable condition. No other injuries were confirmed among the 2,000+ attendees, which included President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other senior administration officials.

As the evacuation unfolded, guests were instructed to take cover under tables or flee the ballroom. Though, White, a longtime ally of Trump and a frequent presence at UFC events, told reporters outside the venue that he refused to comply with the order to get down.

White’s Reaction: “F—ing Awesome”

In an interview with USA Today, White doubled down on his reaction to the incident, calling the experience “f—ing awesome.” The UFC CEO, known for his outspoken personality, told the outlet that he found the chaos “a unique experience” and dismissed concerns about the severity of the situation.

“I wasn’t getting down. It was f—ing awesome,” White said. “You don’t get to experience something like that every day.”

White’s comments stand in stark contrast to the reactions of other attendees, many of whom described the scene as terrifying. The evacuation was captured on live television, with footage showing guests scrambling for cover as Secret Service agents rushed to secure the president and other dignitaries.

The Aftermath: No Injuries Among Attendees

Despite the gunfire, no attendees were reported injured, and the Secret Service agent who was shot is expected to recover. The White House later issued a statement confirming that the president, first lady, and vice president were safely evacuated and that the event would be rescheduled within 30 days.

White, who had been interviewed on the red carpet earlier in the evening about UFC Freedom 250—an upcoming event scheduled to take place at the White House on June 14—left the venue without further incident. UFC commentator Bruce Buffer had previously called the White House event “an honor” and “amazing” in a separate interview.

Controversy Over White’s Remarks

White’s comments have drawn criticism from political figures, journalists, and safety advocates, who argue that his flippant attitude toward a potentially deadly situation is irresponsible. The UFC has not issued an official response to White’s remarks, but the organization has previously faced scrutiny over his unfiltered public statements.

In January 2024, White made headlines for a heated exchange with a reporter at UFC 297, where he accused the journalist of implying that fighters were on “leashes” for their public statements. The incident was widely shared on social media and reignited debates about free speech in combat sports.

What’s Next for the UFC and the White House

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is expected to be rescheduled for late May 2026, though an official date has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, UFC Freedom 250 remains on the calendar for June 14, with White confirming that preparations are moving forward as planned.

For fans of the UFC, the focus now shifts to the upcoming event, which will mark the promotion’s first major card at the White House. The event is expected to feature high-profile fighters and could draw significant attention, given the political backdrop.

Key Takeaways

• The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was evacuated on April 25, 2026, after a gunman shot a Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint.
• No attendees were injured, and the agent is expected to recover.
• Dana White called the incident “f—ing awesome” and refused to take cover during the evacuation.
• The UFC has not commented on White’s remarks, but the organization is moving forward with UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14.
• The White House Correspondents’ Dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days.

How to Follow the Story

For official updates on UFC Freedom 250, visit the UFC’s official website. For the latest on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner rescheduling, follow the White House’s official communications.

What do you think about Dana White’s comments? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media using #UFC #WhiteHouseDinner.