Chaos erupted Saturday evening during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., after suspected gunshots were reported in the lobby of the Washington Hilton, prompting the immediate evacuation of President Donald Trump and other top officials.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 PM EDT while dinner service was underway. Witnesses described hearing “loud, rhythmic sounds” echoing from the lobby area, initially mistaken by some as clattering dishes before panic quickly spread throughout the ballroom.
President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were swiftly escorted out by Secret Service agents and tactical teams to a secure location. Cabinet members and other senior officials were also evacuated in an orderly but urgent manner.
According to eyewitness accounts, hundreds of journalists and attendees ducked under tables and barricaded doors as security personnel moved into position. Armed agents were later seen securing the stage and sweeping the premises.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service and D.C. Metropolitan Police, quickly established a wide security perimeter around the hotel, placing it under lockdown and instructing bystanders to move back and seek cover.
No injuries have been reported among the President or other senior officials.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump praised the rapid response of law enforcement, confirming that the suspect had been apprehended. He stated:
“Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended…”
Trump added that while he initially suggested continuing the event, final decisions would be made by law enforcement authorities. He later confirmed that he had complied with instructions to leave the venue and would address the media shortly from the White House. He also noted that the event would likely be rescheduled within 30 days.
ANI Reporter Reena Bhardwaj, who was present at the dinner, described the tense moments that unfolded inside the ballroom and stated that after the POTUS was ushered out, his Cabinet members were subsequently escorted safely from the venue. Inside the ballroom, confusion quickly turned into alarm as staff sought cover and security forces entered with long guns. Attendees remained sheltered until authorities indicated it was safe to move.
The annual dinner—often referred to as “Nerd Prom”—brings together journalists, government officials, and public figures. This year marked President Trump’s first attendance after years of boycotting the event, adding to an already heightened atmosphere.
As of early Sunday morning, the Washington Hilton remained an active crime scene, with heavy law enforcement presence. Authorities have not yet released full details about the suspect or motive.
The incident is being described as one of the most serious security breaches in the event’s more than century-long history. Further updates are awaited.
Trump on Saturday addressed the press shortly after leaving the venue of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, following acquiescence to the Law Enforcement Officers’ request to immediately evacuate the ballroom amid a shooting scare. Trump said he complied with the instructions of law enforcement authorities to vacate the ballroom immediately, adding that First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and all Cabinet members are safe.
In a post on Truth Social, he said, “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room.
The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Trump earlier lauded the work done by the DC Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their swift response in handling the situation and apprehending the shooter at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.In a post on Truth Social, he said, “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely.
The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
ANI Reporter Reena Bhardwaj, who was present at the dinner, described the tense moments that unfolded inside the ballroom and stated that after the POTUS was ushered out, his Cabinet members were subsequently escorted safely from the venue.
She further mentioned that chaos erupted shortly after a loud noise was heard, initially mistaken for the sound of clattering dishes. However, within seconds, panic spread as staff members rushed to find cover, indicating that the situation was serious.”
Trump praises Secret Service after shooter apprehended at White House Correspondents’ Dinner
US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) praised the swift response of the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, stating that the suspect has been apprehended. In a post on Truth Social, Trump hailed the authorities for their prompt and courageous action, stating that the decision on whether to resume the event would be taken by law enforcement officials.He said, “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP” (ANI)
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