Kyle Cave

Staff Writer

Journalists, just like anyone else, have a set schedule for when they come in to and clock out of work. But what happens when journalists become the very news they cover everyday? That’s what happened at the White House Correspondents Dinner on April 25.

The shooting took place in the lobby of the Washington Hilton hotel. The alleged gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, rushed the lobby firing shots, hitting a Secret Service member. No one was hurt or killed during the entire shooting. Hundreds of correspondents from various outlets were present in the room not far away from where the shooting took place.

Most reporters pulled out their phones, and documented what was taking place at the time. Most also ducked under their tables, filming what could have turned into something far worse. Not long after the shooting, a lot of the press went to attend a White House Press Briefing to get more information. This entire event shows that journalists are always on the clock, even on their day off.

Very quickly, we saw journalists who were there to unwind get right into reporter mode and document what was going on around them. Journalists are no strangers to this phenomenon. In other circumstances, when breaking news happens, reporters are called in to cover whatever event is unfolding.

The difference with this event was that it hit close to home. The WHCD (White House Correspondents Dinner) is an event mostly for the press, with so many press individuals present in the same place.

This shooting also showcases the risks journalists face when reporting the news. Often, journalists face many dangers in covering the news. Whether it’s covering wars, shootings, protests and the rise of political polarization. However, even with everything happening and the risks journalists face, we always rise to the occasion and deliver the truth unafraid and ready.

Even though I am currently a student journalist, I often think about the risks of journalists covering the news daily. What keeps me motivated and deeply respectful of the journalism profession is just how resilient it is. Some of those reporters went straight from the dinner to newsrooms where they covered what had just happened.

Violence in America has, unfortunately, become the norm for everyone. Journalists will always continue to do the job of delivering information, no matter the risk. We must keep going no matter what occurs. However, it is shameful how violence is so normalized in this country. Eventually, something has to give with violence. If violence is not properly addressed, things will continue to get worse.

Until something is addressed, journalists will always be there to cover unfolding events, unafraid, bold, and forthright for society.