Donald Trump was rushed out of a White House event by Secret Service agents after suspected gunshots were reported.
As the President appeared to be speaking at his table, several loud bangs were suddenly heard, prompting an immediate response from armed agents.
Secret Service officers swarmed the area, some carrying machine guns, shouting “stay down, stay down” as they secured the scene.
The President was quickly rushed out of the Washington Hilton dining hall alongside First Lady Melania Trump.
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Other senior Trump administration officials - including Vice President JD Vance - were also evacuated after loud bangs were reported near the ballroom hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Many of the 2,600 attendees ducked for cover beneath tables, while waiters were seen rushing out of the hall.
Just over 20 minutes after the incident, the President took to social media to confirm he was safe.
He wrote on his Truth Social platform: "Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job.
The President was quickly rushed out of the Washington Hilton dining hall alongside First Lady Melania Trump
|REUTERS
"They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we 'LET THE SHOW GO ON' but, will entirely be guided by law enforcement.
"They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again."
The event has since been cancelled following requests from law enforcement, Mr Trump confirmed in a second post.
The President also said he will be delivering a press conference from the White House Press Briefing Room shortly after 3am.
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Many of the 2,600 attendees ducked for cover beneath tables
|REUTERS
PICTURED: Emergency vehicles swarm the scene outside Washington Hilton
|REUTERS
"I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days," he added.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that the suspected gunman is in custody.
He said: “The President and the First Lady are safe along (with) all protectees.
“The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation."
PICTURED: Attendees being evacuated after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was cancelled
|REUTERS
According to an FBI official, an armed individual attempted to breach security just outside the ballroom, opening fire at a Secret Service agent.
One security source told the BBC that between seven and eight shots were fired.
The agent targeted in the shooting was reportedly struck in their vest and is not believed to have suffered serious injuries.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect.
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