Loud bangs that sounded like gunshots rang out inside the Washington Hilton ballroom Saturday night, April 25, forcing Secret Service agents to rush President Donald Trump and other top officials out of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
The annual event, which brings together journalists, politicians, and celebrities, turned chaotic within minutes of getting underway.
Trump was sitting at the head table with First Lady Melania Trump when the noises started. Video from the scene shows agents moving in fast.
They surrounded the president and guided him away from the dais as people in the crowd ducked or looked around, confused.
Attendees described hearing at least four sharp sounds. Some dropped to the floor. Others stood up or headed for exits.
Agents with guns took positions near the head table. Cabinet members were also led out quickly. No one was reported hurt in the initial moments.
President Trump speaks after being taken to safety
Trump later posted on social media and confirmed that the suspect had been arrested by law enforcement.
The President also said law enforcement would decide whether any part of the dinner could continue.
He made it clear the night would not go as planned and suggested the event might need to be rescheduled.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely.
“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’, but we will be entirely guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly.
“Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different from planned, and we’ll just plain have to do it again,” Trump said.
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Law enforcement confirmed a shooter was taken into custody. Details about the suspect or how the person got a weapon into the heavily secured event were not immediately released.
The Secret Service said it was working with local police and the FBI to investigate the matter.
This was Trump’s first time at the dinner as president. He had skipped the event in past years, saying he did not like how the press treated him.
The night was supposed to include a speech by Trump and a performance by mentalist Oz Pearlman.
People inside the ballroom said the bangs came without warning. One reporter who was there said it sounded like gunfire.
Guests near the head table saw agents leap into action before they moved Trump and his wife out of the main room.
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Outside the hotel, ambulances and extra police gathered. The Secret Service partially locked down the building. Guests were told to stay put or leave in an orderly way once it was safe.
The White House Correspondents’ Association did not comment right away on what happened next with the program.
The group had welcomed Trump’s decision to attend after years away. The dinner is meant to celebrate the First Amendment and raise money for scholarships. This year, it drew extra attention because of the president’s return.
The full picture of what led to the shots may take days to emerge. For now, Washington is left with the image of a glamorous night that ended in chaos, and a president once again ushered to safety by the Secret Service.
