EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Secret Service agents stopped an armed man at the annual Washington gala, preventing a major tragedy after a brief shootout.
The annual gala—widely known as the “Nerd Prom”—had been underway for only about 20 minutes after the president and first lady arrived when the dramatic incident unfolded. According to federal authorities, an armed man tried to force his way through a secured checkpoint and advance toward the main ballroom before being confronted by U.S. Secret Service agents.