Gunfire caused panic at a high-profile media event in Washington on Saturday night, forcing a sudden stop to the gathering as security agents quickly moved to protect US President Donald Trump.
The incident happened during a formal dinner attended by many journalists, officials, and guests. Reports say the suspected gunman was stopped near a security checkpoint outside the main hall where the event was taking place.
As the situation unfolded, Trump was quickly escorted away from the stage. Armed security officers rushed through the venue while frightened attendees hid under tables during the confusion.
Reacting afterward, Trump praised the response of security teams. “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended,” he said on social media.
He also announced plans to address the public soon. “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises,” he added. “The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition.”
Despite the disruption, Trump said he intends to hold the event again soon, noting it could be rescheduled within a month.
Authorities later confirmed that one suspect had been arrested. The shooting reportedly occurred close to the main entrance screening area of the venue.
After Trump was evacuated, heavily armed tactical officers moved onto the stage where he had been seated. Police officers surrounded the hotel, and helicopters were seen flying above the area.
The disturbance began shortly after the opening remarks and while dinner was ongoing. Trump had not yet delivered his speech when the chaos started. Some government officials were reportedly evacuated first, while details of what exactly happened remained unclear for a while.
During the evacuation, cabinet member Mehmet Oz reportedly told others “shots fired upstairs” as security led him out.
This is not the first time Trump has faced such danger. In 2024, he was injured in the ear during a shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where one attendee was killed. Months later, another suspect was arrested near a golf course after a weapon was spotted by security.
The hotel hosting the event also has a history of violence. It was the same location where former President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
Initially, organizers told guests that the dinner would continue. However, they later confirmed that the event had been postponed due to the incident.
Trump had attended the dinner for the first time while serving as president, despite his long-standing criticism of the media. The annual gathering, often called the “Nerd Prom,” usually brings together journalists and media executives to support scholarships and awards.
Traditionally, the event includes a comedian who jokes about political figures, including the president, but no comedian was scheduled for this year’s edition.
