Five to eight shots were reportedly fired during a major security incident that disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night, forcing the evacuation of President Donald Trump, top United States officials and hundreds of guests from the Washington Hilton. Trump was reported uninjured, while authorities said no immediate injuries were recorded.According to reports, there were no immediate injuries. However, one law enforcement official said a shooter opened fire during the incident, though authorities did not immediately release further details.The dinner was attended by several senior leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
What we know so far:
Trump was reported safe and uninjured. No injuries were immediately reported among attendees. According to AP report, witnesses described hearing five to eight shots. Law enforcement confirmed a shooter was involved, but the circumstances remain unclear. Senior officials were evacuated and the venue was placed under heavy security lockdown. Authorities have not yet released a full account of what happened.
Chaos inside banquet hall
Panic spread rapidly inside the banquet hall as Secret Service personnel and other law enforcement officers moved in. Guests were seen ducking under tables while security rushed to secure the area.“Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled during the evacuation. Others shouted for people to duck.Witnesses inside the venue said they heard what sounded like five to eight gunshots moments before the room was cleared.
Heavy security response
The banquet hall, where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders had gathered ahead of Trump’s scheduled speech, was immediately evacuated.Members of the National Guard later took positions inside the building. Guests were allowed to leave the premises but were not permitted to re-enter. Security outside the hotel was also significantly tightened as authorities responded.
Shooter reported, details unclear
Officials did not immediately confirm the exact nature of the threat or provide information on the suspected shooter.A law enforcement official confirmed there was a shooter, but no further operational details were made public in the immediate aftermath of the incident.Investigators are expected to review witness accounts, security footage and evidence from the scene.
High-profile event interrupted
Trump’s appearance at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner marked a notable moment, as it was described as his first attendance at the event as president.The dinner traditionally brings together political leaders, journalists and celebrities, often highlighting the complex and sometimes adversarial relationship between the media and the administration.Saturday night’s gathering was abruptly overshadowed by the security scare, turning a high-profile social and political event into an emergency response scene.
