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Learning English from the News

Upper intermediate level

Trump shooting attempt

Episode 260429 / 29 Apr 2026

(Photo Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for OP)

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The story

An attempt to shoot US President Donald Trump took place at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents' dinner. This dinner happens every year and political journalists are invited.

Alongside Trump, Frist Lady Melania Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and other White House officials were rushed from the hotel ballroom after gunfire was heard.

There have been two previous unsuccessful attempts to kill President Trump. Both of these happened while he was campaigning for election in 2024.

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News headlines 

Performer describes locking eyes with Trump as they ducked for cover during shooting
BBC News

Trump claims gala shooting gives urgency to White House ballroom plan
The Guardian 

UK royals head to the U.S. in the wake of war, shooting and rocky relations
CNBC

Learn more about the news.

Key words and phrases

lock eyes
look at someone who is looking at you for a period of time

  • The two fighters locked eyes before the boxing match, neither wanting to be the first to look away.

give urgency
make something more important so that it will be considered more quickly

  • The growing humanitarian crisis gives urgency to peace negotiations.

in the wake of
following closely behind

  • In the wake of the scandal, the manager resigned.

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