US Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated President Donald Trump from the stage after shots rang out during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, in what the president called an attempted assassination.
The incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton when a gunman armed with multiple weapons charged through a security checkpoint just outside the ballroom. Armed guards immediately opened fire, neutralizing the threat. The man was detained at the scene.
More than 2,600 guests, including First Lady Melania Trump, senior administration officials, and members of the media, were inside the ballroom when the loud bangs erupted during dinner. Attendees ducked for cover as waiters fled toward the front of the hall. Tactical teams with drawn weapons quickly secured the stage where Trump had been seated.
“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and he was taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service,” Trump said at a White House press conference shortly afterward, flanked by FBI Director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Trump added that authorities believe the attacker acted alone. “They seem to think he was a lone wolf, and I feel that too,” he said. He described initially mistaking the gunfire for a dropped tray before realizing the danger.
One Secret Service officer was shot at close range but was not seriously injured and is in good condition, according to the president. Trump described the Washington Hilton as “not a particularly secure” venue and noted ongoing questions about security protocols following repeated lapses.
The breach occurred after the opening remarks and during dinner, before Trump was scheduled to speak. Trump administration officials were evacuated first amid the chaos. Cabinet member Mehmet Oz told reporters “shots fired upstairs” as he was rushed out.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that the suspect faces charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Despite the scare, Trump said he intends to reschedule the annual media gala within a month.
Video posted by the president showed the gunman sprinting past security barriers as agents drew their weapons and fired. Police swarmed the hotel and helicopters circled overhead as the scene was secured.
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