Chaos erupted at the 2026 White House Correspondents' Dinner held at the Washington Hilton when a gunman opened fire, prompting panic among guests. While many attendees ducked for cover, Michael Glantz, a senior talent agent at Creative Artists Agency, remained seated, calmly enjoying his burrata and pea salad. His nonchalant attitude amid the turmoil quickly turned him into a viral sensation, earning him the nickname 'Salad Man.' In interviews, Glantz explained that he was not oblivious to the danger but was intrigued by the unfolding events, stating, 'The truth is I was watching the action.' Glantz, a New York native, mentioned that he is accustomed to high-stress situations and did not feel alarmed. He also cited practical reasons for not taking cover, including a bad back and a reluctance to lie on the ballroom floor in his new tuxedo. His experience as a prominent figure in the television news industry added to the intrigue surrounding his calm demeanor during the incident.