U.S. President Donald Trump was safely evacuated after a shooting incident disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, triggering panic among thousands of attendees and prompting an immediate security response.
The incident unfolded late Saturday at the Washington Hilton hotel, where a gunman attempted to breach a security checkpoint and opened fire near the entrance to the high-profile event, according to officials and law enforcement sources.
A suspect armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives was quickly apprehended by Secret Service personnel and is now in custody, authorities confirmed.
Chaos at high-profile event
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as gunshots rang out, with hundreds of guests taking cover under tables while security agents rushed into the ballroom.
Attendees were heard shouting “Get down, get down!” as law enforcement moved swiftly to secure the venue and evacuate key officials.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were escorted off stage by Secret Service agents, along with senior members of the administration including cabinet officials and the vice president.
Officials said a Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire but was protected by a bulletproof vest and did not suffer serious injuries.
The dinner, attended by around 2,600 guests including journalists, politicians and celebrities, was ultimately cancelled following the incident.
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Investigation underway
Authorities said the suspect is believed to have acted alone, though investigations are ongoing to determine motive and any possible connections.
President Trump later confirmed the situation was under control, writing that a “shooter had been apprehended” and praising the swift response of security forces.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job,” he said.
In a subsequent briefing, officials said the suspect faces multiple charges, including assault on a federal officer and firearms violations, with further charges under consideration.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a longstanding tradition celebrating the relationship between the presidency and the press, has rarely faced such security threats. The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety protocols at major public events attended by top political leaders.
Analysts say the attack underscores the persistent risks facing public officials in the United States, particularly in a politically charged environment where high-profile gatherings can become potential targets.
Despite the disruption, officials indicated the event may be rescheduled in the coming weeks once security reviews are completed.
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