President Donald J. Trump, the First Lady, and top administration officials were evacuated from the Washington Hilton on Saturday night following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office said its National Capital Response Squad responded to the scene in northwest Washington, D.C., where a suspect was taken into custody. Authorities did not immediately release details on injuries or a possible motive.
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications said, “The U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.”
“The president and the first lady are safe along with all protectees. One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation,” he added.
Trump later confirmed the incident in a post on Truth Social, praising the response of security personnel.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump said, adding that the shooter had been apprehended.
The U.S. president said he had suggested continuing the event but would defer to law enforcement guidance. “I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” he wrote.
Law enforcement officials instructed attendees to leave the venue as a precaution, Trump said, noting that he would comply immediately. He added that he would address the media within 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room.
Trump also stated that the First Lady, Vice President, and Cabinet members were unharmed. “The evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again,” he said, adding that the event would be rescheduled within 30 days.