WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday evening after gunshots rang out inside the Washington Hilton, sending attendees diving for cover.
A shooter has been confirmed dead, according to CNN.
The president had been seated at the dais in the main ballroom when shots were heard. Secret Service agents immediately rushed Trump from the venue. Attendees, including top administration officials, journalists and celebrities, took cover under tables as chaos unfolded.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were among those in attendance. All were reported safe.
The Hilton, located just a short distance from the White House, is the same hotel where President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. in 1981. That assassination attempt left Reagan wounded along with three others.
Law enforcement officials swarmed the scene following the incident. No further details on the shooter’s identity or motive have been released. The White House has not yet issued a formal statement.
The annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is a longstanding D.C. tradition that typically blends political satire and journalism. Saturday’s event was abruptly halted as security protocols were activated.
