Panic erupted on Saturday night after gunshots were fired near Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., forcing security operatives to evacuate the president and guests.
CityNews reports that the incident occurred at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where hundreds of guests had gathered for the annual black-tie event.
The suspect was apprehended at a screening area just outside the ballroom.
Confirming the development, Trump said, “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended.”
Tactical teams reportedly stormed the venue with weapons drawn, taking control of the stage area shortly after the evacuation. Police units surrounded the hotel, while helicopters hovered overhead.
In a post on social media, Trump assured that top government officials were unharmed.
“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises… The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” he said.
He added that he would address the public shortly at the White House and pledged to reschedule the event within a month.
The shooting occurred after the welcome address and during dinner, just before Trump was due to speak.
Although organisers initially indicated the event would continue, it was later postponed following the security scare.
A cabinet official, Mehmet Oz, said he heard gunfire during the incident.
“Shots fired upstairs,” he said while being escorted out by security personnel.
The Washington Hilton Hotel has previously been the site of an assassination attempt on former President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
Trump himself survived a shooting incident during a rally in Pennsylvania in 2024 and another security threat months later in Florida.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, often referred to as the “Nerd Prom,” brings together journalists, media executives, and political figures for an annual fundraising event.
This marked Trump’s first attendance at the event while in office, despite years of strained relations with the media.
