Protesters gathered outside the White House Correspondents’ dinner Saturday night, holding signs calling for President Donald Trump’s death moments before an alleged gunman reached a security area at the venue and opened fire.

Demonstrators assembled outside the Washington Hilton, where the dinner was being held, to protest the event and the Trump administration. Some signs included messages such as, “death to tyrants,” “death to all of them,” and “yes, they deserve to die, and I hope they burn in hell.”

The protesters were also heard chanting “shame,” while others held anti-war signs and waved Iranian and Palestinian flags. One demonstrator carried a mask depicting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s head.

Before the event, more than 250 journalists signed a letter urging reporters to “forcefully demonstrate opposition” to President Trump at the dinner. The group of journalists issued a letter to the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) saying he should not feel welcome.

“We believe the White House Correspondents Association should take stronger action by issuing — from the podium — a forceful defense of freedom of the press and condemnation of those who threaten that freedom, followed by a standing toast to the First Amendment,” the letter said. “Speak forcefully, in front of the man who seeks to undermine our country’s long tradition of an independent, strong, and free press.”

The event later descended into chaos when a suspect identified as Cole Allen allegedly rushed a security checkpoint and fired a shot that struck a Secret Service officer’s protective vest. Agents quickly subdued Allen and took him into custody. Allen reportedly left behind a manifesto expressing his far left-wing beliefs, including that he wanted to target Trump administration officials.