The White House Correspondents\u2019 Dinner was interrupted by a security scare during Donald Trump\u2019s first appearance at the event as president. Shortly after dinner service began at the Hilton Hotel, shouting broke out and gunshots were heard in the hall. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded Trump and First Lady Melania Trump before removing them from the room.<\/p>\n
Trump was attending the White House Correspondents\u2019 Dinner for the first time during his presidency when the incident unfolded.<\/p>\n
As the event was being broadcast live, security teams were seen inside the hall carrying long guns. Officers broke through security barriers to reach Trump\u2019s table, then moved the president and Melania Trump out of the venue.<\/p>\n
Some guests were heard screaming during the incident, while others chanted \u201cUSA.\u201d After the brief panic, an announcement was made that the program would continue.<\/p>\n
US media reported that a suspect had been taken into custody at the hotel, though that information had not initially been confirmed by officials.<\/p>\n
Minutes later, Trump posted on social media that the armed suspect had been caught.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was quite an evening. The Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The armed gunman was captured,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>\n
Trump added that he had suggested the program continue, but said he would fully follow the guidance of law enforcement.<\/p>\n
After the shooting, Trump held a press conference at the White House and gave further details about the incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cA man armed with multiple weapons attacked the security checkpoint. He was neutralized by very brave members of the Secret Service. One officer was shot but survived. I just spoke with the officer, and he is doing very well,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>\n
Trump said he had wanted the dinner to continue despite the attack, but after speaking with event representatives, the night was canceled. He said the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days.<\/p>\n
The US president also linked the incident to security plans for the White House, saying this was why the ballroom project and stronger protective arrangements were needed.<\/p>\n