President Donald Trump was evacuated from a White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening after reports of gunfire near the venue. The incident occurred shortly after the program began, with witnesses describing loud sounds interpreted as gunshots, prompting immediate security intervention. Trump, along with other attendees including Vice President JD Vance, was safely escorted out by Secret Service agents and local police. No injuries were reported among the president or his entourage, though one security personnel member was struck by gunfire but protected by a ballistic vest and is expected to recover.
The shooter was apprehended by law enforcement at the scene, according to Trump’s post on Truth Social approximately one hour after the evacuation. He praised the response of the Secret Service and local police, stating they had done a “fantastic job.” The event, held at a Washington hotel, is an annual gathering attended by journalists, government officials, and political figures. This year marked Trump’s first attendance as president, having not participated in prior editions of the dinner.
Eyewitness accounts from journalists present at the scene described hearing multiple sharp noises, followed by attendees ducking under tables for safety. SVT’s USA correspondent Sofia Yohannes reported that people nearby “threw themselves down under the tables” upon hearing the sounds. Similarly, SR Ekot’s Washington correspondent Ginna Lindberg stated she heard “at least four loud shots” shortly after Trump entered the hall and the program had begun, coinciding with the serving of the first course.
Police confirmed that the shooting originated from a security checkpoint area within the building. While one security officer was hit, the individual’s protective gear prevented serious injury, and authorities said the person is expected to develop a full recovery. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident, and investigators are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the weapon.
The White House has not issued an official statement beyond Trump’s social media post, and the Secret Service has declined to provide detailed comments citing ongoing security protocols. The White House Correspondents’ Association released a brief statement confirming that all attendees were accounted for and safe, and that the event was temporarily suspended before being resumed later in the evening after the area was secured.
This incident marks one of the rare security disruptions during a high-profile presidential attendance at the correspondents’ dinner, an event traditionally known for its blend of journalism, politics, and satire. While past dinners have seen protests or walkouts, direct violence or security evacuations involving the president are uncommon. The last major security alert at the event occurred in 2015, when a suspicious package prompted a brief lockdown, though no shots were fired.
As of Sunday morning, federal and local law enforcement continue to process evidence from the scene, including reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. The FBI has been notified and is assisting in the investigation, though no charges have been publicly announced yet. Officials urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on statements from authorized law enforcement channels.
For ongoing updates on the investigation and any potential legal proceedings, readers are encouraged to monitor statements from the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and the United States Secret Service. These agencies will provide verified information as the review progresses.
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