Evangelist Franklin Graham is urging Americans to pray for the nation's leaders after a frightening security incident disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, while also pointing to a powerful weekend of ministry that brought hope and transformation to hundreds of military families. Graham, who attended the high-profile event as a guest of Newsmax President Chris Ruddy alongside Greta Van Susteren and John Coale, described the moment as alarming but expressed deep gratitude for the outcome.
"We are still learning details, but I am grateful to God that the President of the United States is safe and that no innocent people were harmed. It could have been much worse," he said, praising the swift and decisive response of Secret Service and law enforcement who moved quickly to secure the area and evacuate attendees, including President Donald Trump and other national leaders.
Authorities have confirmed that an armed individual approached a secured checkpoint near the venue, prompting gunfire before the suspect was apprehended prior to entering the main ballroom, with no fatalities reported. Reflecting on the response, Graham said it was "incredible to witness these highly trained experts spring into action," adding a call for continued prayer for the President and the country during a time of heightened concern.
At the same time, Graham highlighted a separate moment of encouragement through Samaritan's Purse, which hosted its Operation Heal Our Patriots reunion in Orlando, gathering more than 700 couples-wounded veterans and their spouses-from across the nation for fellowship, worship, and biblical teaching.
The event featured messages from Jonathan Falwell and Darryl Strawberry, along with music from Charity Gayle, Ricky Skaggs, Dennis Agajanian, and Tommy Coomes Band, creating an atmosphere centered on renewal and faith.
Graham celebrated the spiritual impact of the gathering, emphasizing that many placed their trust in Jesus Christ and experienced lasting transformation, echoing the message of 2 Corinthians 5:17 that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation."
As investigations into the Washington, D.C. incident continue, Graham's reflections underscore both the urgency of prayer in uncertain moments and the enduring work of ministry that continues to change lives across the country.
