WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night after shots were fired outside the event venue in Washington, D.C., officials said.
Secret Service agents rushed Trump and first lady Melania Trump from the ballroom at the Washington Hilton hotel following reports of gunfire, according to multiple law enforcement and administration sources. Trump was uninjured, and there were no immediate reports of casualties among attendees or security personnel.
Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among other senior officials also evacuated from the annual media gala, witnesses and officials said. Attendees ducked for cover as loud bangs echoed through the room, prompting a swift response from heavily armed Secret Service counter-assault teams.
A suspect armed with guns and knives charged a security checkpoint outside the ballroom and exchanged gunfire with security personnel before being taken into custody, according to law enforcement officials and statements from the president. The suspect was believed to be acting alone, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said, though details of his identity and motives remained unclear as of early Sunday.
"The Secret Service did a fantastic job," Trump told reporters afterward. "We were whisked away, but everyone is safe."
The incident occurred as Trump was expected to deliver remarks at the black-tie event, which traditionally brings together journalists, politicians and celebrities. The dinner was interrupted and ultimately canceled, with the ballroom evacuated and the area around the hotel secured by police and National Guard members. Helicopters circled overhead as authorities sealed off the scene.
Secret Service officials confirmed that protected individuals were removed promptly and that the situation was contained. No injuries were reported from the exchange of fire, though full details of the confrontation at the checkpoint were still under investigation.
The White House Correspondents' Association did not immediately comment on the disruption. The annual dinner, a longstanding Washington tradition, has drawn criticism in past years for its tone but proceeded this year with Trump in attendance for the first time in his current term.
As of Sunday morning, the suspect remained in custody. Federal and local authorities continued to investigate the incident, with no further threats identified.
Trump later indicated the dinner would be rescheduled.
