Trump Hurried Off Stage Following Shots Fired at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

(SeaPRwire) –   President Donald Trump was quickly escorted from the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on Saturday night following reports of gunfire near the venue.

Footage from the Washington Hilton hotel showed Secret Service agents rushing the stage where the president was seated as many of the approximately 2,600 guests sought refuge beneath tables.

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer reported observing a gunman discharge what he described as a “very serious weapon” a minimum of six times from close range. He further stated in a CNN interview that the assailant “appeared to have passed through the metal detector, yet he was armed and actively shooting.”

According to a TIME journalist present, Secret Service personnel moved through the attendees to safely evacuate members of the Trump Administration’s cabinet. Minutes later, an announcement was made from the stage informing the audience that the program would continue soon.

Shortly after the event, Trump posted on Truth Social that the shooter had been “apprehended” and commended law enforcement.

“What an evening in D.C. The Secret Service and Law Enforcement performed exceptionally. Their response was swift and courageous,” he wrote. “The shooter is in custody, and while I have suggested we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ the final decision rests entirely with Law Enforcement. They will announce their decision shortly.”

The WHCA dinner is a yearly gathering for White House officials and journalists, usually including comedic elements and a lighthearted speech by the president.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.