Trump says WHCD to be rescheduled within 30 days after shooting incident forces evacuation

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House Correspondents’ Dinner will now be rescheduled within 30 days after a shocking security scare forced an emergency evacuation, with President Donald Trump confirming the decision in a statement late Saturday night.

The annual event, which was underway at the Washington Hilton, was abruptly interrupted after gunshots were heard inside the venue, sending guests into panic and triggering a swift response from law enforcement.

Trump confirms evacuation, says WHCD will be rescheduled within 30 days

Trump later took to Truth Social to confirm that the situation was under control and that the event would be postponed.

“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately,” he wrote.

“I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”

He also reassured the public about the safety of those present.

“The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour,” Trump added.

Chaos erupts at Washington Hilton as gunshots disrupt WHCD

What started as a high-profile evening quickly turned into a scene of chaos.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump had just made their entrance at the Washington Hilton, with Vice President JD Vance also in attendance, as the night’s program was getting underway.

Moments later, gunshots rang out inside the ballroom.

Guests were seen diving under tables as panic spread across the room. The event, known for its speeches and light-hearted roasting of political figures, came to an immediate halt as security personnel rushed into action.

According to reports, a gunman entered the hotel, rushed past a magnetometer, and opened fire. A Secret Service agent was struck in the vest but was reported to be safe.

Within minutes, agents secured the area and began evacuating the president and other officials from the venue.

Shooter apprehended as security response unfolds

In the immediate aftermath, there was confusion over the status of the suspect.

Earlier in the night, Trump had posted that the shooter had been “apprehended,” adding that he had suggested the event continue but would ultimately follow law enforcement guidance.

“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘Let the show go on’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” he wrote. “Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”

Meanwhile, journalists inside the ballroom shared real-time updates as the situation unfolded.

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, who was present at the event, described the tense moments, noting that agents quickly flooded the room after shots were heard.

She later updated that the shooter had been “apprehended,” though initial reports from inside the venue suggested the suspect may have been killed.

Despite the uncertainty, law enforcement moved quickly to secure the scene and ensure the safety of attendees.