{"id":631203,"date":"2026-04-26T03:02:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T03:02:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/631203\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T03:02:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T03:02:17","slug":"donald-trump-evacuated-from-white-house-correspondents-dinner-after-suspected-shooter-apprehended","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/631203\/","title":{"rendered":"Donald Trump evacuated from White House correspondents’ dinner after suspected shooter apprehended"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

Mr Trump said a man “armed with multiple weapons” charged at a security checkpoint at the Washington Hotel where the event was being held.<\/p>\n

\"US<\/p>\n

US President Donald Trump posted a picture of the suspected shooter on social media. (Truth Social: @realDonaldTrump)<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

Mr Trump added the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent.<\/p>\n

“He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun and the vest did the job,” he said.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

The FBI counter-terrorism unit will lead the investigation into the incident, an FBI official told Reuters.<\/p>\n

For live updates on the security incident unfolding at the White House correspondents’ dinner, follow our live blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Earlier, guests had been seated for only a short time when Secret Service flooded the room and yelled for people to “get down”.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mr Trump and his cabinet were rushed from the ballroom after a loud, unidentified noise, according to Reuters.<\/p>\n

Many of the 2,600 attendees in the Washington Hilton hotel took cover while waiters fled to the front of the dining hall.<\/p>\n

Loading…<\/p>\n

Dignitaries at the head table included Mr Trump, the first lady Melania Trump and Vice-President JD Vance.<\/p>\n

Both Mr Trump and Mr Vance were unharmed, an AP source said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.<\/p>\n

“The shooter has been apprehended.”<\/p>\n

\"Security<\/p>\n

Security officials evacuate US House Speaker Mike Johnson. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)<\/p>\n

In a subsequent post, he said law enforcement officials requested “we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately”.<\/p>\n

Mr Trump said he would hold a press conference shortly.<\/p>\n

“The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” he wrote.<\/p>\n

“I have spoken with all representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”<\/p>\n

\"Guests<\/p>\n

Guests were seen leaving the dinner.\u00a0 (AP Photo: Allison Robbert)<\/p>\n

It was not immediately clear what happened.\u00a0<\/p>\n

AP reported earlier a law enforcement official confirmed there was a shooter.<\/p>\n

A photographer working for Reuters reported hearing four to six loud bangs in the hotel but not in the immediate vicinity of the dinner.<\/p>\n

AFP reported a shooting took place at a “screening area” outside the dinner venue, citing the Secret Service.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"2026-04-26T020502Z_1750883038_RC2QWKATS2G6_RTRMADP_3_USA-TRUMP-DINNER<\/p>\n

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio wait at one of the West Wing entrances. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)<\/p>\n

Mr Trump returned to the White House shortly after the incident to hold a press conference.<\/p>\n

Pictures also showed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio at one of the West Wing entrances.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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