President Donald Trump has been the target of multiple assassination attempts, security incidents and violent threats over the course of his political career, from campaign rallies to official events, according to law enforcement records and public reporting.
The scrutiny intensified again Saturday, April 25, after Trump and first lady Melania Trump were hurried out of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner following a security scare – an episode that revived questions about presidential safety less than two years after a confirmed assassination attempt and amid renewed concerns about political violence in the United States.
Below is a look at the most significant confirmed assassination attempts and major security scares involving Trump.
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
April 25, 2026: White House Correspondents’ dinner evacuation
Most recently, President Trump and Melania Trump were rushed from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington after loud bangs and a security scare sent attendees ducking for cover.
Speaking at the White House after the incident, Trump said a man "with multiple weapons" charged a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel and was apprehended by Secret Service officers. One officer was shot but was protected by a bulletproof vest, Trump said.
Authorities have not publicly characterized the incident as an assassination attempt against Trump.
September 2024: Golf course threat in Florida
Secret Service agents disrupted what the FBI described as an apparent assassination attempt near Trump while he was golfing at his club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Agents spotted a gunman concealed in nearby bushes and opened fire before he could reach the former president. Trump was not injured, officials said. The rapid response underscored the heightened alert surrounding Trump following the Pennsylvania shooting.
July 13, 2024: Pennsylvania campaign rally shooting
The most serious attack occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman opened fire toward the stage, grazing Trump’s right ear and killing one spectator. The shooter, identified by the FBI as 20‑year‑old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot by Secret Service agents.
Federal investigators labeled the shooting an assassination attempt and later concluded the suspect acted alone. The incident marked the gravest breach of presidential security involving Trump and sent shockwaves through the campaign trail.
In its aftermath, lawmakers launched investigations into security failures, and several Secret Service agents faced disciplinary action.
November 5, 2016: Reno rally 'gun' scare
Just days before the 2016 election, Trump was rushed offstage at a rally in Reno, Nevada, after someone in the crowd shouted “gun.”
Authorities later determined the individual was unarmed, but the moment triggered an immediate security response and briefly halted the event.
June 18, 2016: Las Vegas rally gun grab attempt
During Trump’s first presidential campaign, a British man attempted to grab a police officer’s firearm at a rally in Las Vegas while Trump was speaking.
Authorities said the suspect later admitted he intended to kill Trump. He was subdued on the spot, arrested and later deported to the UK after serving a prison sentence.
March 12, 2016: Ohio rally stage rush
At a campaign event in Dayton, Ohio, a man rushed toward the stage before being tackled by Secret Service agents.
Although no weapon was recovered, law enforcement treated the confrontation as a serious security threat. The suspect was later sentenced to probation.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump’s assassination attempts and major security scares
