US President Donald Trump was rushed to safety from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots rang out at the venue.
The President and First Lady Melania Trump appeared to be part way through a conversation at the Washington Hilton when he was interrupted by a commotion at the White House table.
Loud bangs could be heard and then various secret service members escorted the president away from the venue as they called out “stay down, stay down”.
The president, first lady and all other protectees are safe, the Secret Service said later, after seven to eight gunshots were fired.
Secret Service confirmed no injuries to protectees
The Secret Service stated that Trump, Melania Trump and all other individuals under their protection were unharmed following the evacuation.
For more on this story, see Trump’s First White House Correspondents’ Dinner: Red Carpet, Expectations & Media Showdown – Live Coverage.
Agents responded immediately to the disturbance, moving the president and first lady from the ballroom amid the gunfire.
Investigation into shooting incident underway
Law enforcement is working with the Secret Service to investigate the shooting near the main magnetometer screening area at the Washington Hilton.
A spokesman for the Secret Service said the agency is collaborating with D.C. Police to determine the circumstances of the incident.
Was anyone injured in the shooting?
The Secret Service confirmed that the president, first lady and all other protectees are safe, with no injuries reported to those under their protection.
Where did the incident accept place?
The gunshots were heard inside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.