Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that an alleged shooter had been apprehended during the annual White House correspondents' dinner at a hotel in Washington, following the sound of gunfire. The incident led to Trump's swift evacuation from the event by Secret Service personnel for safety reasons.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump was situated on the stage in front of a packed hotel ballroom when the unsettling sounds were heard. In a subsequent social media post, the president assured the public that he, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and all other cabinet members were unharmed, emphasizing that they were "in perfect condition." Trump also indicated his intent to address the situation at a press briefing later that evening.

Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift and courageous response to the incident. "Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended," he posted on Truth Social. Despite his recommendation to continue the event, law enforcement personnel insisted on his departure from the premises as a precautionary measure.

The president further communicated that he would be holding a press conference at the White House and reassured that the First Lady, Vice President, and all Cabinet members were safe. He also mentioned plans to reschedule the dinner within the next 30 days after consulting with event organizers.

The security breach occurred despite heightened security measures around the venue in anticipation of the high-profile gathering. The dinner was attended by notable figures including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel.