WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump was uninjured and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House correspondents after shots were fired outside the ballroom where the event was being held Saturday night.
An officer was shot in bullet-resistant vest but is expected to be OK, a law enforcement official said. Authorities said the incident occurred outside the ballroom where Trump and other guests were seated.
There did not immediately appear to be any injuries.
The FBI said the shooter is in custody and that its Washington field office is responding to the shooting.
President Trump, in an online post, said he would be giving a statement from the White House momentarily.
The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the banquet hall at the Washington Hilton as guests dining on burrata salad ducked under tables by the hundreds. “Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled. Others yelled to duck. From one corner, a “God Bless America” chant began as Trump was escorted off stage. After falling briefly — he apparently tripped — he was helped up by Secret Service agents.
A law enforcement official confirmed there was a shooter but no further details were immediately available. All officials protected by the Secret Service were evacuated. After reports that organizers were attempting to resume the dinner, the president of the correspondents association said the event would be rescheduled.
Some in the crowd reported hearing what they believed to be five to eight shots fired. The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s remarks — was immediately evacuated. Members of the National Guard took up position inside the building as people were allowed to leave but not immediately re-enter. Security outside was also extremely tight.