US President Donald Trump says a shooter has been apprehended after a security incident forced his evacuation from the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington.
Mr Trump said a man “armed with multiple weapons” charged at a security checkpoint at the Washington Hotel where the event was being held.
US President Donald Trump posted a picture of the suspected shooter on social media. (Truth Social: @realDonaldTrump)
“He was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service. And they acted very quickly,” he said at a press conference at the White House.
Mr Trump added the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent.
“He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun and the vest did the job,” he said.
“I just spoke to the officer and he’s doing great. He’s in great shape. Has very high spirits and we told him we love him and respect him.”
The FBI counter-terrorism unit will lead the investigation into the incident, an FBI official told Reuters.
For live updates on the security incident unfolding at the White House correspondents’ dinner, follow our live blog.
Earlier, guests had been seated for only a short time when Secret Service flooded the room and yelled for people to “get down”.
Mr Trump and his cabinet were rushed from the ballroom after a loud, unidentified noise, according to Reuters.
Many of the 2,600 attendees in the Washington Hilton hotel took cover while waiters fled to the front of the dining hall.
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Dignitaries at the head table included Mr Trump, the first lady Melania Trump and Vice-President JD Vance.
Both Mr Trump and Mr Vance were unharmed, an AP source said.
“Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“The shooter has been apprehended.”
Security officials evacuate US House Speaker Mike Johnson. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)
In a subsequent post, he said law enforcement officials requested “we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately”.
Mr Trump said he would hold a press conference shortly.
“The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” he wrote.
“I have spoken with all representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”
Guests were seen leaving the dinner. (AP Photo: Allison Robbert)
It was not immediately clear what happened.
AP reported earlier a law enforcement official confirmed there was a shooter.
A photographer working for Reuters reported hearing four to six loud bangs in the hotel but not in the immediate vicinity of the dinner.
AFP reported a shooting took place at a “screening area” outside the dinner venue, citing the Secret Service.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio wait at one of the West Wing entrances. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)
Mr Trump returned to the White House shortly after the incident to hold a press conference.
Pictures also showed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio at one of the West Wing entrances.
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