President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner following reports of possible gunshots disrupting the event.
President Trump announced that the alleged shooter has been taken into custody.
No injuries have been reported following the incident.
Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to commend the response: “What an evening in D.C. The Secret Service and Law Enforcement were outstanding. They acted with speed and courage. The shooter is now in custody.”
He further mentioned, “I’ve suggested we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but we will adhere to the guidance of Law Enforcement. Their decision is pending.”
“No matter the outcome, the night will unfold differently than expected, and we may need to reconvene on another occasion,” he added.
A later announcement confirmed the event will no longer continue and will instead be rescheduled within the next 30 days.
Trump will hold a press conference from the White House imminently.
Reuters is reporting that an FBI official told the wire service the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent, who is reported to be uninjured.
A person armed with a shotgun is also reported to have attempted to breach security at the event, according to Reuters.
The United States Secret Service has released a statement confirming: “The president and the first lady are safe along all protectees.”
“One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.”
No injuries to officials have been reported at this stage.
It is not yet known whether the gunshots were fired by the suspect or by Secret Service agents.
What we know about the alleged shooting
Trump was evacuated from the White House correspondents’ dinner after suspected gunshots rang out at the black-tie event, which he was attending for the first time as president.
A live feed showed Trump seated at a table on the stage before journalists gathered at tables on the floor.
A loud sound could be heard as attendees ducked for cover, before Trump was escorted out by Secret Service agents.
Agents rushing towards Trump could be heard saying: “Stay down! Stay down!”
Several high-profile officials were also in attendance, including Vice President JD Vance, FBI director Kash Patel, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Associated Press is reporting that both Trump and Vance were uninjured afterr the incident.
The security incident is reported to have taken place outside the room where the dinner was being held.
Reuters reported that shortly before being escorted off the stage, first lady Melania Trump appeared to react to something in the crowd and had a concerned look on her face, according to a C-SPAN live feed.
Trump had previously boycotted the dinner during his first term as president.
The White House Correspondents’ Association is a group representing the media and journalists who cover the White House and the president. Mentalist Oz Pearlman is the official entertainer at this year’s dinner.
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