Gunshots were heard and the event was halted at the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) annual dinner, the first that U.S. President Donald Trump has attended since taking office. Trump and administration officials at the event took cover immediately after the loud bangs. Security authorities said the suspected gunman arrested at the scene is a man in his 30s from California.
The AP said Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other attendees were all safe, and that, so far, there were no other reported injuries.
Compiling reports from major outlets on the 25th (local time), Trump was scheduled to attend the WHCA dinner at the Washington Hilton at 8 p.m. that evening and speak for about 40 minutes. Unlike the custom of sitting presidents consistently attending the event, Trump had continuously skipped it.
According to the AP, Trump sat in the front row of the underground banquet hall and watched the event. Video shows that less than 30 minutes after the start, loud gunfire was heard outside the venue, Secret Service (SS) agents and other officials suddenly surrounded the hall, and more than 300 dinner guests, including the press, simultaneously ducked under their tables. Some could be heard shouting statements like "Please move!" along with cries to "Get down."
Trump and first lady Melania Trump ducked under the table with other dignitaries and then were evacuated with Secret Service agents. Citing an attendee, CNN said, "Just as the appetizers were being served, there were at least five to eight gunshots outside the hall," adding, "Attendees then scrambled, and the venue was locked down."
AFP said security authorities arrested the suspected shooter. Specific circumstances and a motive have not been disclosed. National Guard troops are currently deployed in the banquet hall.
Journalists at the dinner said it appears the armed suspect was detected at a security checkpoint before entering the venue and then opened fire.
Shortly after being evacuated, Trump posted on Truth Social, "A really chaotic evening in Washington, D.C. The Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and although I recommended that 'the show must go on,' the final decision will be guided by law enforcement. A decision will be made soon. Regardless of that decision, tonight's event will be very different from what was planned, and we will have to do it again."