US President Donald Trump was taken to safety after gunfire was heard during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday evening, sparking a state of panic inside the venue and a widespread security response.Trump, who was sitting at the main table, appeared stunned as the shots rang out. First Lady Melania Trump was seen visibly shocked, while CBS News White House correspondent Weija Wang reportedly jumped in her seat as the chaos unfolded.Follow live updates on shooting details
Moments later, Trump and others leaned over the head table for cover as Secret Service personnel surrounded him from all directions. The president was then quickly evacuated from the celebration hall.
Vice President J.D. Vance was also taken to a secure location. It was later reported that both were unharmed.
In a post on Truth Social after the incident, Trump described what happened as a “fantastic evening” and praised the security services for a “fantastic job.” He added that the shooter had been arrested and that “the show must go on.”Read more: Donald Trump evacuated after shooting at White House Correspondents’ DinnerInside the Washington Hilton, guests scrambled under tables as Secret Service agents stormed the ballroom and began evacuations.
“Get out of the way, sir!” One of them was heard screaming while others shouted, demanding that people step back.
Outside the hotel, scenes of confusion emerged as police cars raced through the area as sirens sounded and people ran to safety.Hundreds of journalists, celebrities and senior officials had gathered to attend the annual event and were waiting for Trump’s speech when the incident occurred. Those in attendance included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.US Attorney Jeanine Pirro posted a video after the shooting, saying: “I was escorted out of the hall after the shots rang out. The Secret Service is now in charge of this building, this hotel. I just spoke with Mayor Muriel Bowser. She’s on her way, and (Police) Chief Jeffrey Carroll is on his way. He’ll be in charge once he gets here.”