United States President Donald Trump and other high-profile guests were evacuated Saturday night after gunfire disrupted a major media event in Washington, triggering panic and raising fresh concerns about security at high-level gatherings.
The incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, held at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where hundreds of journalists, government officials, and dignitaries had gathered.
Chaos in the Ballroom
Witnesses said the situation escalated shortly after the opening speech, when gunshots rang out near the ballroom entrance.
Armed security personnel immediately moved to shield the stage, where Trump was seated alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials.
Guests scrambled for safety, many taking cover under tables before being ushered out of the venue as the event was abruptly halted.
Authorities confirmed that no dignitaries or attendees sustained injuries during the incident.
Armed Suspect Intercepted
According to law enforcement officials, a lone gunman forced his way toward a security checkpoint just outside the ballroom at approximately 8:36 p.m.
The suspect, reportedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, was intercepted after an exchange of gunfire with security operatives.
Metropolitan Police Department interim chief Jeffrey Carroll said a Secret Service officer was struck in his protective vest during the confrontation and was later hospitalised in stable condition.
The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to face federal charges, including assault on a federal officer and use of a firearm during a violent crime.
Identity, Motive Unclear
Authorities have yet to formally confirm the suspect’s identity, though U.S. media reports identified him as a 31-year-old from California.
Officials believe he acted alone, but investigations are ongoing to determine his motive and whether there were any accomplices.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken over key aspects of the probe, including forensic analysis and witness interviews.
The incident has sparked immediate questions about how the suspect managed to enter the hotel with weapons.
While a magnetometer checkpoint was in place near the ballroom, there were reportedly no comprehensive screening measures at the main hotel entrance a gap now under review by authorities.
President Trump initially criticised the venue’s overall security but later clarified that the ballroom itself remained secured, with the checkpoint preventing the attacker from breaching the main event space.
Officials say a full review of surveillance footage is underway to determine how the weapons were brought into the building.
