Gunshots Fired at White House Correspondents' Dinner; Trump Safe, Gunman Arrested

WASHINGTON (CNA) — During U.S. President Trump's attendance at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner tonight, suspected gunshots were heard in the vicinity. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were urgently evacuated from the Washington Hilton Hotel, sending the scene into temporary chaos.

Reports from the BBC, AFP, and Reuters indicated that Trump was in the middle of a conversation when he was interrupted by the sudden commotion. A Reuters journalist reported hearing approximately 4 to 6 loud bangs inside the hotel. A White House staff member stated that Trump is safe and that the incident did not occur within the dinner area itself.

According to reports, Secret Service agents immediately rushed to respond after the loud noises. Trump and Melania crouched behind the podium before being whisked away from the ballroom by multiple agents shouting 'Get down! Get down!' Many guests sought cover on the spot. Senior advisor Stephen Miller and FBI Director Kash Patel were also escorted from the scene, while the media and other attendees remained in the ballroom.

Police quickly surrounded the Washington Hilton Hotel, and helicopters patrolled the sky. The U.S. Secret Service later announced that the suspected gunman has been detained.