A dramatic and frightening scene unfolded at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after gunshots were reportedly heard inside the Washington Hilton, prompting security to rush Donald Trump and Melania Trump off stage.
The President, who was attending the prestigious event for the first time since 2015 and was expected to deliver a speech, was swiftly escorted out alongside the First Lady as chaos erupted in the ballroom.
According to early reports, there did not immediately appear to be any injuries, but the atmosphere inside the venue quickly turned tense as Secret Service agents and law enforcement flooded the area. Guests were seen ducking under tables by the hundreds as shouts rang out across the room.
An attendee told HELLO!: “There was quite the commotion. All the people ducked in their seats and USSS members were jumping through the crowd.”
“I heard a rumbling behind me. Hard to tell what it was – could have been gunshots from way out, upstairs in the lobby. Could’ve been the resulting commotion of whatever the incident was,” they continued.
“And a floor up from a hard security checkpoint. There were soft checkpoints prior to the lobby.”
© Getty Images“Out of the way, sir!” one voice was heard yelling, while others urged attendees to take cover. In the midst of the confusion, some guests reportedly began chanting “God bless America” as the situation unfolded.
The entire dais, including senior officials and high-profile attendees, was led out of the room under heavy security, while many guests remained inside awaiting further instructions.
The First Lady and President are now safe, Nick Clemens, the office of the First Lady’s communications director, confirms to HELLO!
Donald shortly posted an update on Truth Social: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
© Getty ImagesThe White House later confirmed that the shooter is now in custody. “The US Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. One individual is in custody,” a White House official said in a statement.
Donald gave an update that he will return to the White House shortly: “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days,”
© Getty ImagesThe incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding international conflicts, with protesters reportedly gathered both inside and outside the Washington Hilton ahead of the dinner. Demonstrations were linked to the ongoing Iran war and Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, traditionally a lighthearted evening bringing together politicians, journalists and celebrities, was instead overshadowed by the unfolding security scare.
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