US President Donald Trump was rushed to safety after gunshots were heard during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday night, triggering panic inside the venue and a massive security response.Trump, who was seated at the main table, appeared startled as the sound of 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 details of the shootingMoments later, Trump and others at the head table ducked for cover as Secret Service personnel surrounded him from all directions. The president was then swiftly evacuated from the banquet hall. Vice President JD Vance was also taken to safety. Both were later reported uninjured.In a Truth Social post after the incident, Trump described it as “quite an evening” and praised security agencies for a “fantastic job”. He added that the shooter had been apprehended and that “the show must go on”.Read more: Donald Trump evacuated after shots fired during White House Correspondents’ DinnerInside the Washington Hilton, guests scrambled under tables as Secret Service agents stormed into the ballroom and began evacuations. “Out of the way, sir!” someone was heard shouting, while others yelled for people to duck.Outside the hotel, scenes of confusion unfolded as police vehicles raced through the area with sirens blaring and people ran toward safety.Hundreds of journalists, celebrities and senior officials had gathered for the annual event and were awaiting Trump’s speech when the incident occurred. Among those present were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.US Attorney Jeanine Pirro posted a video after the shooting scare, saying, “I have been taken out of the ballroom after the sound of the shots fired. The Secret Service is now in charge of this building, this hotel. I just spoke to Mayor Muriel Bowser. She is on her way, and (Police) Chief Jeffery Carroll is on his way. He will be in charge as soon as he gets here.”Authorities have not yet released full details about the shooting or the suspect, but security remains tight as the investigation continues.
