Jimmy Kimmel drew sharp criticism for a joke about Melania Trump resembling an ‘expectant widow’ during a parody of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, aired just days before gunfire disrupted the real event.

Kimmel’s Controversial Parody

On Thursday, Kimmel hosted a skit mocking the annual journalism event, which supports scholarships. He remarked, ‘Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.’ He followed with a quip about her upcoming birthday: ‘Melania’s birthday is on Sunday. She’s planning to celebrate at home the same way she always does, looking out a window and whispering, “What have I done?”‘

Shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

The actual dinner occurred Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton, the same venue where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. President Trump attended in person for the first time during his presidency, joined by Melania Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.

Chaos erupted shortly after guests sat down when loud noises prompted Secret Service agents to swarm the ballroom. Attendees, including journalists, celebrities, and officials, ducked under tables as agents secured the area. No guests were injured, but one Secret Service agent was shot in his bulletproof vest and is expected to recover fully.

Online Backlash Against Kimmel

Social media users condemned Kimmel’s remarks as tasteless, especially in light of the shooting. Larry O’Connor, editor at Townhall, called Kimmel a ‘broken man’ and tagged Disney, saying, ‘@disney, you have a problem.’ Others described the jokes as ‘sick and tasteless,’ with one user stating, ‘Kimmel is actually worse than the other “comedians.” You can see the seething hatred on his face toward Trump.’

Political commentator Link Lauren wrote, ‘Many in the mainstream media have stoked division and hatred for years. Jimmy Kimmel just made a disgusting “joke” about Melania Trump becoming a widow. After the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and what transpired with President Trump, now they suddenly want to act shocked.’

Suspect Identified and Manifesto Revealed

Authorities identified 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a teacher from Torrance, California, as the suspect. He breached a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives, exchanged fire with agents, and was quickly subdued.

Allen’s family disclosed his history of radical statements and a manifesto outlining plans to ‘fix’ the world. His brother alerted the New London Police Department in Connecticut minutes before the attack after receiving the writings. A White House official confirmed the notification, and Trump later expressed in a Fox News interview that he wished federal authorities had been informed sooner. Agents also interviewed Allen’s sister in Rockville, Maryland.

Trump Addresses the Nation

Wearing his tuxedo, President Trump spoke to the nation two hours after the incident. ‘When you’re impactful, they go after you,’ he said. ‘They seem to think he was a lone wolf. We’re not going to let anybody take over our society.’ He praised the injured agent: ‘I just spoke to the officer and he’s doing great. [The bulletproof vest] did the job.’

The White House announced the dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days, aiming for a ‘bigger and better’ event. Washington remains on heightened alert following this latest security incident.