Content Advisory: This article discusses gunfire at a public event and related security response. Reader discretion is advised.
Cheryl Hines says she had to be lifted over chairs in heels and a gown after gunfire erupted at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Now the internet is focused on another part of the chaos: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appearing to rush out while his wife trailed behind him.
The former ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ star, who is married to Trump cabinet member Robert F. Kennedy Jr., shared the frightening account on Instagram shortly before midnight. She said she had just returned from the event and called it a “crazy” moment.
“We were there and we heard shots and, um, everybody got under the tables,” Hines said.
The incident happened just after 8:30 p.m. ET at the Washington Hilton. Live footage showed Secret Service agents entering the ballroom and escorting President Donald Trump out of the room. One Secret Service officer was injured, according to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Trump later said the officer was saved by his bulletproof vest.
Cheryl Hines Said Security Had To Carry Her Out
Hines said nobody knew what was happening at first. Then Kennedy’s security detail moved in.
“Bobby’s security detail surrounded us and took us,” she said, referring to her husband by his nickname. “I mean, really, like, had to lift me over chairs, because I’m in heels and a gown.”
She said they were taken through back routes before getting into a car and leaving the venue.
Shortly after, Hines posted another Instagram Story, this time wearing a robe and telling followers she was safe.
“Thank you for everyone reaching out, asking if we’re okay, and we are okay,” she said. “I’m in my pajamas now. Watching the news break, just like you guys.”
Viewers Focused On RFK Jr.’s Exit
The security scare was serious, but online commenters quickly started picking apart Kennedy’s behavior in the footage. Several viewers claimed Hines appeared to be left behind as Kennedy moved out first. One commenter wrote, “She was straight up left behind when her husband dashed out.” Another commenter joked, “Shooting is a stretch lmao,” while another said, “RFK was like ‘every man for himself’!!!!”
Others were harsher. One viewer wrote, “She would be a sacrifice for them in any situation.” Another added, “She is quite the actress.”
Not everyone blamed Kennedy. One commenter argued that security protocol usually prioritizes the vice president, president, and cabinet members before spouses. Still, the clip gave social media exactly what it tends to grab onto: a tense public moment, a famous couple, and an awkward-looking exit.
Trump Said Law Enforcement Asked Him To Leave
Trump later posted about the suspect on Truth Social and shared footage connected to the incident. At a press conference, he called the suspect “a sick person, a very sick person.” He said the suspect “charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons” and was stopped by Secret Service.
Trump also wrote that he wanted to “LET THE SHOW GO ON,” but said law enforcement requested that he leave the premises under security protocol.
For Hines, the night ended in pajamas, safely watching the news from home. For RFK Jr., the internet may remember the night for a different reason: the moment viewers thought he bolted while Cheryl Hines was still behind him.
