Photos show chaos as Trump is whisked from White House Correspondents' Dinner after shots fired

The WHCD was underway at the Washington Hilton, with Trump seated on stage alongside Melania and other officials. He was expected to speak soon, and the atmosphere was formal, with guests, media figures, and politicians all gathered.

Loud banging sounds suddenly echoed from outside the ballroom. Trump later said he initially thought it was something like 'a tray going down' before realizing it was gunfire.

Secret Service agents rushed onto the stage within seconds, surrounding Trump. He was quickly escorted off the dais and out of the ballroom to a secure area.

Panic spread as President Trump ducked on stage while security took cover.

Secret Service agents remove Vice President JD Vance as panic spread through the room.