28 Apr ISRAELI JEWISH MENTALIST OZ PEARLMAN DESCRIBES WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING: ‘SCARIEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE’
Israeli-born, Jewish mentalist Oz Pearlman described a terrifying moment when a routine performance at the White House
Correspondents Dinner turned into a scene of chaos. What began as an intimate demonstration for the President and First Lady quickly escalated when alarming sounds triggered a rapid emergency response, leaving everyone in the room shaken but ultimately unharmed.
What was happening just before the incident began?
I was attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, backstage, speaking with Karoline Leavitt. She challenged me to guess the name of her soon-to-be-born baby girl. I began a mentalism routine, asking about the number of letters, narrowing possibilities, and building toward a reveal. It was meant to be a lighthearted moment before going onstage.
How did the guessing process unfold?
I asked her to focus on the name and give subtle cues. I estimated it had six to seven letters, which she confirmed. I started calling
out impressions and letters, eventually landing on “V.” That’s when people nearby, including First Lady Melania Trump, began reacting to how close I was getting.
“She goes, ‘Yes,’” I said. “Then I said, ‘You’re thinking of a V.’ And that’s when the First Lady said, ‘How does he know this?’”
I wrote the name down and asked, “What are you naming your daughter that starts with V?” When I turned the paper around, you could see Weijia Jiang gasp. The First Lady reacted in disbelief, and Karoline Leavitt confirmed, “That’s the name of my daughter.”
When did you realize you had the correct name?
I had written “Viviane.” The reaction was immediate, shock, disbelief, excitement. She confirmed it was exactly right. It was one of those rare moments where everything lands perfectly.
What happened immediately after you
revealed the name?
Almost instantly, everything changed. Loud noises, what sounded like gunshots, cut through the room. The atmosphere shifted
from celebration to alarm. The timing was surreal, one second we were celebrating, the next we were in crisis.
Footage later showed me tearing the paper with “Viviane” written on it just seconds before ducking behind a table. Karolinee had given permission to share the name.
What went through your mind when you heard the shots?
My first thought was pure instinct, fear. I remember thinking, “Are we about to die?” I didn’t know what was happening, only that it was serious.
How did you react physically?
I dropped to the ground immediately, along with others. I got low, made myself as small as possible, and began moving, army-
crawling to find cover.
What did you observe around you?
The Secret Service responded instantly. Agents moved to shield the president and secure the area. Guests and staff were directed to safety. It was chaotic, but highly coordinated.
How close were you to the president?
At one point, I was about a foot away. I remember being on the ground and making brief eye contact with him. It’s something I won’t forget.
What stands out most vividly?
The emotional whiplash, from the high of a perfect mentalism moment to immediate fear and uncertainty. That split-second realization of how quickly everything can change.
What caused the incident?
Authorities later identified the suspect as Cole Allen, who reportedly entered the venue armed. Law enforcement responded quickly and prevented further harm.
Were there injuries?
A Secret Service agent was reportedly struck, but the bullet hit a protective vest, preventing serious injury.
How did the room change in those first seconds?
It went from laughter to silence and urgency almost instantly. People ducked, security shouted commands, and confusion mixed
with fear.
Did your experience as a performer help?
To some extent. Performers are trained to stay composed, but this was real danger. Still, that instinct to stay focused likely helped.
How are you processing it now?
I feel grateful that everyone is safe. It was terrifying, but it could have been far worse. I’ve been reflecting on how fragile moments
like these are.
Has it changed your perspective?
It’s made me more aware of the risks at high-profile events, and more appreciative of the security measures in place.
What message would you share?
Appreciate the moment you’re in, things can change instantly. And recognize the people who step in during crises. Their preparedness makes all the difference.