US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were safely evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner after gunshots were heard at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, on Saturday night.
According to officials, Secret Service agents quickly rushed the leaders out of the venue as panic spread through the packed banquet hall. Hundreds of journalists, celebrities, and political figures were present at the high-profile annual dinner when the incident occurred.
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Some attendees reported hearing between five and eight gunshots before security personnel immediately began evacuating the hall. Guests were seen ducking under tables as agents swarmed the area and cleared the building.
In a post on Truth Social approximately 30 minutes after the incident, Trump confirmed that the situation had been brought under control and that the suspected shooter had been arrested. He also assured that Melania Trump, JD Vance, and other officials were safe and in “perfect condition.” He praised the Secret Service and law enforcement, stating they acted “quickly and bravely.”
Multiple videos circulating online show security teams escorting Trump and other officials out of the venue amid the chaos.
Law enforcement officials later confirmed that an officer was struck while wearing a bullet-resistant vest. The officer is expected to recover.
Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect or the motive behind the incident. Investigations are ongoing, and security has been tightened in and around the capital following the scare.
The White House Correspondents’ dinner is one of Washington’s most prominent annual gatherings, typically attended by top political leaders, media figures, and celebrities.
