A security incident involving gunfire outside the Washington Hilton ballroom forced the rapid evacuation of President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and members of his Cabinet from the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. The President and his wife, Melania Trump, were unharmed, according to statements from the Secret Service.
The incident occurred shortly after the President and First Lady made their entrance. Reports indicate multiple shots were fired outside the venue. A suspect is in custody, and the Secret Service has stated that one person was apprehended.
Following the scare, President Trump is expected to deliver a statement from the White House briefing room. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this, noting that the President's initial plan to speak from the event was altered.
Evacuation and Response
Video footage from inside the event showed security personnel quickly escorting individuals, including the President and First Lady, off the main stage. Weijia Jiang, president of the correspondents' association, announced from the stage that Trump planned to brief the nation later that evening.
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"The President is safe and there were no injuries reported," the Secret Service stated.
Despite the disruption, Trump expressed a desire to return to the dinner and potentially reschedule the event within 30 days. However, official statements indicated he would proceed with a statement from the White House.
Background
This marks President Trump's first attendance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner while in office. Historically, presidents have sometimes skipped the event. The shooting erupted around 8:30 p.m., approximately 20 minutes after the President's arrival. Reports suggest around six shots were fired before the gunman was neutralized. Some sources indicate a Secret Service agent may have sustained an injury during the exchange.
