US President Donald Trump was reportedly unharmed while other senior US leaders were evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after an unspecified threat. There were no immediate reports of injuries, although a police officer said the gunman opened fire, the AP reported.
Secret Service agents and other authorities quickly flooded the banquet hall at the Washington Hilton, while hundreds of attendees took cover under tables. Cries of “Out of the way, sir!” calls for people to take cover echoed through the room, the AP reported.
Tactical teams with guns drawn took up position on the stage where Trump sat before being evacuated.
Police swarmed the Hilton Hotel in Washington, where the event was held, and helicopters hovered overhead. The pool report said the alleged shooter was in custody, citing the Secret Service, AFP reported.
White House Correspondents’ Association Annual Dinner
Trump attended the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington on Saturday for the first time as president, putting his administration’s often strained relationship with the media on full display.
He arrived at the event where the nation’s leaders at war mingled with celebrities, journalists and even comedy puppet Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. The dinner traditionally sparks debate about whether reporters and the characters they cover should socialize and set aside their typically adversarial roles.
Trump has drawn particular attention to rallies held by journalists who cover him and his administration. Past presidents who have attended the dinner have typically emphasized the importance of free speech and the First Amendment, often adding light-hearted jokes about members of the press.
(This is a current report; check back later for updates)
(With input from agencies)
