US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after gunfire disrupted the high-profile event in Washington. The US Secret Service confirmed it is probing "a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner," adding that "the president and first lady are safe along with all protectees." A suspect has been taken into custody, while details about others affected remain unclear.
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm Eastern time at the Washington Hilton Hotel. Guests and media personalities at the hotel heard noises that sounded like gunshots.
Swift response by security agencies
Video clips from inside the hall captured security personnel moving quickly to secure the area near the stage, where the president and first lady had been seated. A voice in the background urges people to "stay down."
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Following the incident, Trump posted on social media, saying, "Quite an evening in DC, Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely." He added, "The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement."
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, and FBI Director Kash Patel, among others, were escorted out. Trump then confirmed that all cabinet secretaries were secure.
Event likely to be rescheduled
Several lawmakers, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative Jared Moskowitz, exited the venue on foot.
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Speaking on behalf of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Weijia Jiang addressed attendees, stating that the president was expected to brief the media later. She also indicated the dinner may be rescheduled within 30 days. "I said earlier tonight that journalism is a public service, because when there is an emergency, we run to the crisis, not away from it," she said.
Authorities have not yet shared full details. The incident comes amid ongoing concerns over political violence in the US.
