Authorities say suspect was taken into custody as Secret Service evacuated attendees from Washington event.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump was escorted from the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening after gunfire was reported outside the event venue, prompting a rapid response from security personnel.
The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton hotel, where attendees had gathered for the annual media event. According to accounts from those inside the ballroom, multiple shots were heard near the entrance area, leading security officials to order guests to take cover.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were moved out of the room by Secret Service agents as a precaution. Witnesses described attendees ducking beneath tables while armed personnel entered and secured the area.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump said the situation had been brought under control and confirmed that a suspect had been apprehended.
“They acted quickly and bravely,” he wrote, referring to the Secret Service and law enforcement response. “The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.”
Early reports from journalists at the scene indicated that several shots—estimated at around five—were fired outside the ballroom doors. Some attendees reported smelling gunpowder and immediately taking cover as security moved in.
Media accounts also described agents surrounding the area near the stage before escorting the president from the venue. No injuries were immediately reported, and officials said both Trump and Vice President JD Vance were unharmed.
Journalist Gary Collins of the Baltimore Sun reported in a post that a shooting appeared to have occurred at the event, adding that the president and first lady were removed from the ballroom. Additional reports indicated that Secret Service cleared the room and escorted officials to safety.
The White House Correspondents’ Association, led by Weijia Jiang, said the program was expected to resume pending further guidance from law enforcement.
Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect or the motive behind the shooting. Investigations are ongoing as federal and local agencies review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The event, which typically brings together journalists, government officials, and public figures, was in its early stages when the disruption occurred.
Original article
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