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President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after the sound of several gunshots caused alarm at the gathering.
Following the incident, Trump announced that a suspect had been “apprehended.”
Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injuries stemming from the event.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump commented, “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.”
He added, “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.”
A later announcement confirmed the event will no longer continue and will instead be rescheduled within the next 30 days.
Trump will hold a press conference from the White House imminently.
Reuters is reporting that an FBI official told the wire service the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent, who is reported to be uninjured.
A person armed with a shotgun is also reported to have attempted to breach security at the event, according to Reuters.
The United States Secret Service has released a statement confirming: “The president and the first lady are safe along all protectees.”
“One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.”
No injuries to officials have been reported at this stage.
It is not yet known whether the gunshots were fired by the suspect or by Secret Service agents.
What we know about the alleged shooting
Trump was evacuated from the White House correspondents’ dinner after suspected gunshots rang out at the black-tie event, which he was attending for the first time as president.
A live feed showed Trump seated at a table on the stage before journalists gathered at tables on the floor.
A loud sound could be heard as attendees ducked for cover, before Trump was escorted out by Secret Service agents.
Agents rushing towards Trump could be heard saying: “Stay down! Stay down!”
Several high-profile officials were also in attendance, including Vice President JD Vance, FBI director Kash Patel, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Associated Press is reporting that both Trump and Vance were uninjured afterr the incident.
The security incident is reported to have taken place outside the room where the dinner was being held.
Reuters reported that shortly before being escorted off the stage, first lady Melania Trump appeared to react to something in the crowd and had a concerned look on her face, according to a C-SPAN live feed.
Trump had previously boycotted the dinner during his first term as president.
The White House Correspondents’ Association is a group representing the media and journalists who cover the White House and the president. Mentalist Oz Pearlman is the official entertainer at this year’s dinner.
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