A shooting scare disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner late Saturday after an armed man attempted to force his way through security and fired at a Secret Service officer, prompting a swift lockdown of the venue and evacuation of senior officials, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to law enforcement officials, the suspect, carrying a shotgun, approached a secured perimeter outside the event and opened fire when confronted. A Secret Service agent was struck, but officials said the impact was absorbed by protective gear, preventing serious injury.
Trump later said he had been briefed on the officer’s condition and described him as being in “great shape,” adding that the agent’s protective equipment likely saved his life. The president also praised the rapid response by security personnel, calling their actions decisive and effective in containing the threat.
The incident took place at the Washington Hilton, where hundreds of journalists, government officials and invited guests had gathered for the high-profile annual dinner. Panic briefly spread inside the venue as reports of gunfire reached attendees, many of whom took cover while security teams moved to secure the premises.
Within minutes, Secret Service and other federal agents subdued and detained the suspect. Authorities said the individual appeared to be acting alone, though a full investigation is underway to determine motive and whether any additional threats remain.
Officials confirmed that no guests or public figures inside the event were injured. The wounded officer was treated on-site and did not require hospitalisation, according to preliminary reports.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, traditionally a mix of political satire and media engagement, was effectively cut short following the security breach. Several attendees were escorted out in phases as law enforcement conducted sweeps of the area.
Security experts say the incident underscores the persistent risks surrounding high-profile public gatherings involving senior political leadership. While the protective measures in place prevented casualties, the breach has raised fresh questions about perimeter security and threat detection.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect. Federal agencies, including the FBI, are leading the investigation, and charges are expected to follow.
The situation was brought under control within a short span, and officials stressed that established security protocols functioned as intended, preventing what could have escalated into a more serious attack.
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