GUWAHATI: A security scare briefly disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner on the night of Saturday, April 25, after sounds of gunfire triggered an immediate evacuation at a hotel in Washington DC.
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According to initial accounts, five to eight gunshots were heard inside the banquet hall just as guests awaited an address by US President Donald Trump. Panic spread quickly as attendees, including journalists, celebrities and senior officials, took cover under tables while security personnel rushed to the scene.
The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies swiftly escorted the president and key dignitaries to safety. Officials later confirmed that Trump was unharmed and no immediate casualties were reported.
Individuals present at the annual dinner event were evacuated as authorities secured the premises. Members of the National Guard were deployed inside the building, while guests were allowed to exit under tight security but not permitted to re-enter.
Among those seated at the head table were President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance, along with several cabinet secretaries.
US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated that the suspect has been taken into custody and will face charges including use of a firearm during a violent crime and assault on a federal officer. The accused is expected to be presented in court on Monday.
Despite the disruption, Trump later signaled that the event would proceed, commending law enforcement agencies for their swift response. He also shared images of the detained suspect on Truth Social, showing the individual pinned to the ground without a shirt and with his hands tied behind his back.