A shooting Saturday night near the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton triggered a large-scale security response and forced the evacuation of President Donald Trump, senior administration officials, and hundreds of attendees.

According to the United States Secret Service, the incident occurred at a security screening area near the hotel entrance. Witnesses inside the ballroom reported hearing multiple loud pops, prompting guests to take cover under tables as agents moved quickly to secure the scene and remove protected individuals.

President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were all evacuated safely and were not injured. Other officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, were also escorted out as law enforcement swept the area.

Initial reports indicated that one suspect had been taken into custody, but subsequent law enforcement updates said the suspected shooter is dead. Authorities stated the shooting took place outside the main security perimeter, though the proximity to the event led to immediate lockdown procedures inside the venue.

Trump later confirmed the suspect had been apprehended in an earlier statement and praised law enforcement response, saying agents acted “quickly and bravely.” He indicated he had requested that the dinner continue, though officials said the final decision would be made by police.

The annual dinner, attended by more than 2,000 journalists, government officials, and public figures, was temporarily halted as tactical teams secured the building. National Guard personnel and other security forces established a heavy presence inside and outside the hotel, restricting movement while allowing attendees to exit.

Witnesses described confusion in the moments following the gunfire, with some estimating between five and eight shots. The ballroom, where Trump had been scheduled to speak, was cleared as a precaution.

Weijia Jiang, president of the correspondents’ association, told attendees the event could resume later in the evening once the situation stabilized.

The incident marked a rare security breach at one of Washington’s highest-profile annual gatherings and comes as heightened tensions and security concerns continue to shape large public events involving national leaders. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing.