United States President Donald Trump and other senior administration officials were abruptly evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) annual dinner following a security scare at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
The disruption came as gunshots were heard within the venue late Saturday, prompting swift intervention by the United States Secret Service, which moved the President and top officials to safety.
Authorities said a suspect was taken into custody, while separate reports indicated the gunman was dead. A senior administration official confirmed Trump was in a secure location and had indicated readiness to return to the event, subject to security clearance.
Reacting via Truth Social, Trump said a “shooter has been apprehended,” commending security operatives for acting “quickly and bravely,” and noting that law enforcement would determine whether proceedings would continue.
He added that he had suggested allowing the programme to continue but would defer to security agencies, acknowledging that the evening had already been disrupted.
Eyewitnesses described a tense scene inside the hall. Wolf Blitzer said he was only a few feet from the gunman when the shooting began, recounting that the incident unfolded suddenly.
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WHCA President Weijia Jiang appealed for calm, telling attendees the programme would “resume momentarily,” while noting that details of the incident were still being verified.
Top officials present included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Images showed security agents escorting several dignitaries, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., out of the venue as security tightened.
Reports indicated that Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were removed from the dais, while armed members of the Counter Assault Team took positions inside the hall.
Senior officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, were also evacuated after what witnesses described as multiple gunshots. Defence Secretary Hegseth was similarly escorted out by his security detail.
Security presence intensified around the hotel, with police units deployed in large numbers and helicopters seen hovering overhead, according to pool reports and media accounts.
Witnesses said the President was engaged in conversation when the disruption occurred. Loud bangs were heard before security personnel ushered him out, instructing guests to “stay down.”
Senior adviser Stephen Miller was also escorted from the venue, while many attendees initially took cover before remaining inside after the President’s evacuation.
The incident marks a rare security breach at the annual dinner and the first such disruption in recent memory.
Earlier, Jiang had welcomed Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, describing their presence as significant.
She said covering the White House remains “the best assignment in journalism,” citing the privilege of reporting on global affairs from the seat of power.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions in the Middle East suffered a setback after Trump cancelled a planned visit by his envoys to Pakistan, halting anticipated face-to-face talks with Iran.
