WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other Cabinet members were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after gunshots were fired in the Washington Hilton hotel’s lobby.
Authorities said the incident occurred outside the ballroom where Trump and other guests were seated. Trump said he “fought like hell” to resume dinner but was told by security agents that he had to leave because it was safer.
Trump then addressed reporters from the White House, describing a “room that was just totally unified” and thanking security agents for their quick work. A suspect is in custody, the FBI said.
Trump was attending the media gala for the first time as president. The event had drawn scrutiny because of the tense relationship between the administration and members of the press.
Trump said the shooter had been captured and the man is believed to be from California, adding law enforcement officials have “gone to his apartment.”
Trump said the shooter was a “lone wolf,” with the president saying he believes the incident is not linked to the US-Israel war with Iran.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, also on the podium with Trump during the press briefing, said the investigation was “ongoing” and that he expects charges to be “filed shortly.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said during his remarks that his agency was “conducting witness interviews as we speak.”
