Suspect in custody after shots ring out near Washington Hilton; President confirms safety, event cancelled

By ifeoma Onyekachi

Donald Trump was abruptly evacuated from a high-profile White House event after a suspected gunman attempted to breach security, triggering panic at the venue.

The incident occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held inside the Washington Hilton, where loud bangs believed to be gunfire were heard as the President addressed guests at his table. Armed Secret Service agents immediately flooded the area, shouting “stay down” as they moved to secure the scene.

Trump was swiftly escorted out of the dining hall alongside First Lady Melania Trump. Other top officials, including Vice President JD Vance, were also evacuated as security operatives locked down the premises.

Panic spread among the roughly 2,600 attendees, many of whom took cover under tables while staff rushed out of the hall. Emergency responders were later seen surrounding the venue.

Within 20 minutes of the incident, Trump confirmed via his Truth Social platform that he was safe, praising the rapid response of the Secret Service and law enforcement. He noted that the suspect had been apprehended and initially suggested the event could continue, pending security clearance.

However, authorities later advised cancellation. Trump confirmed the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days and announced plans to address the press from the White House.

Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said the President, First Lady, and all protected individuals were unharmed, adding that investigations were ongoing.

According to preliminary reports from law enforcement sources, the suspect identified as a 31-year-old man from California attempted to storm the venue and opened fire near the ballroom entrance. Between seven and eight shots were reportedly fired, with one Secret Service agent struck in a bulletproof vest and not seriously injured.

Authorities say the suspect is now in custody as investigations continue into the motive behind the attack.