United States president Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were hurriedly evacuated on Saturday night after gunfire broke out near the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.
The incident occurred at the venue’s main security checkpoint when an armed man reportedly attempted to breach the area and opened fire, officials said.
A United States Secret Service agent was hit during the chaos but avoided injury thanks to protective gear. Security personnel immediately escorted the president, first lady, and other top officials to safety as panic spread among the approximately 2,600 guests in attendance.
Witnesses said attendees scrambled for cover, with many diving under tables while agents secured the venue. Several senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, were also forced to the ground by security during the evacuation.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect was quickly apprehended, and no government officials were injured.
In a post on Truth Social shortly after the incident, Trump commended law enforcement, stating that all top officials, including the vice president and cabinet members, were “in perfect condition,” and confirmed the attacker had been taken into custody.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job,” he wrote, adding that he would address the nation later that night.
The event was subsequently cancelled, with the president expressing hope that it could be rescheduled within 30
