Donald Trump and other top officials were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after an unexpected security threat caused panic among attendees.
The high-profile event, attended by around 2,600 guests, was abruptly disrupted as security forces moved in and ordered people to take cover.
Panic Erupts Inside Banquet Hall
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as guests were heard shouting “Get down!” while hundreds of attendees ducked under tables.
Members of the United States Secret Service reportedly rushed into the hall in tactical gear, quickly securing the area and escorting key figures to safety.
Trump and Melania Trump were seen taking cover behind the dais before being evacuated by security personnel.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
Shortly after the incident, officials confirmed that a suspect had been apprehended and was in custody.
While initial fears suggested a possible active shooter, authorities have not immediately released full details about the nature of the threat.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Event Thrown Into Chaos
The sudden disruption brought the dinner to a halt, with attendees scrambling for safety as waitstaff and organizers moved quickly to clear parts of the venue.
A live broadcast showed moments of confusion, including visible concern from Melania Trump just before she was escorted away.
Trump Responds After Incident
Following the evacuation, Trump stated that he had suggested allowing the event to continue but would ultimately defer to law enforcement decisions.
His comments came after confirmation that the situation had been brought under control.
Security Under Spotlight
The incident has once again highlighted the intense security measures surrounding major political gatherings in the United States.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further details about the suspect and what triggered the emergency response.
