US President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC after shots were fired outside the venue, reports Al Jazeera.
Trump was rushed out of the Washington Hilton on Saturday evening after gunshots were heard outside the ballroom where he and First Lady Melania Trump had been seated before the annual media event began.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he and his Cabinet members were safe and that he would address the media from the White House shortly.
“The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members are in perfect condition,” Trump said.
He also said the event would be rescheduled within 30 days.
Trump praised the United States Secret Service and local law enforcement for their swift response.
“They acted quickly and bravely,” he said.
The Secret Service said the shooting occurred at a screening area and one person was taken into custody.
The condition of those involved was not immediately known, while law enforcement was assessing the situation.
Footage from the scene showed Trump and attendees taking cover behind tables after shots rang out, while security personnel rushed into action.
Secret Service agents later escorted Trump from the venue.
An Al Jazeera producer at the scene said he heard what appeared to be five gunshots outside the ballroom and attendees immediately took cover.
Further details were not immediately available.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
