White House Correspondents' Dinner Federalist Society Washington Hilton security risks John Hinckley Jr. Printz v. United States Brady Gun Control Act

The Washington Hilton, often called the Hinkley Hilton due to its infamous 1981 attack, has once again made headlines for security lapses. Earlier this evening, reports emerged of shots fired at the hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where President Trump was in attendance.

This incident follows a pattern of security concerns at the venue. For the past two years, the Federalist Society has hosted its national lawyers convention at the Washington Hilton. In 2023, I bid farewell to the Mayflower Hotel after years of attending conventions there. In 2024, my experience at the Hilton was overwhelmingly negative, prompting me to reflect on the hotel’s unique security risks.

The Washington Hilton is not just a hotel; it’s a functional space with thousands of guests moving in and out daily. Even when hosting a "hardened" event in its basement ballroom, the hotel’s layout poses significant challenges. During last November’s convention, I attended the 250th U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball, where Vice President Vance was a speaker. As a hotel guest, I bypassed perimeter security and later discovered that the gym—also in the basement—was accessible via a different elevator. After my workout, curiosity led me to the ballroom, where the event had concluded and magnetometers were removed. Despite restricted access signs, I walked directly into the venue.

The ease with which I could access the ballroom underscored the hotel’s vulnerabilities. With President Trump set to speak in the Brady press room, the question remains: How secure is the Washington Hilton?

Source: Reason
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