Washington (Rajeev Sharma): A tense situation unfolded in Washington, D.C. on Saturday night after gunfire was reported near the venue hosting the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Donald Trump was confirmed to be unharmed and was swiftly escorted to safety by security personnel.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred outside the main ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the high-profile gathering was underway. Law enforcement agencies responded immediately after reports of a shooter in the vicinity.
The sudden disturbance led to panic inside the hall, with guests—including journalists and officials—taking cover as security teams moved in. Authorities evacuated individuals under Secret Service protection, ensuring the safe exit of key attendees.
Officials later confirmed that a law enforcement officer sustained an injury but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover. No other casualties were reported.
The event was called off midway due to safety concerns. Weijia Jiang, who heads the White House Correspondents’ Association, said the dinner would be rescheduled at a later date.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identity and motive of the suspect. Security has been tightened across the area as authorities continue their probe.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety at major public events involving high-ranking officials, even as swift action by security agencies prevented a more serious outcome.
