KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., after gunshots were fired outside the venue on Saturday night, according to media reports.
Trump was escorted out of the Washington Hilton Hotel after shots were heard near the ballroom where he and First Lady Melania Trump had been seated before the start of the annual event, Al Jazeera reported.
According to CBS News, the incident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time outside the hotel ballroom. Witnesses said several shots were fired, causing panic among attendees, with some taking cover under tables.
Secret Service agents quickly moved Trump and the First Lady to a secure location.
CBS, citing security sources, reported that one Secret Service officer was struck but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest. The officer’s condition was not considered serious.
Officials said between five and eight shots were fired, and the suspect was wounded and taken into custody.
The president, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President, and Cabinet members were unharmed.
During a later news conference, Trump said an armed man carrying multiple weapons charged a security checkpoint and was “taken down” by the Secret Service. He described the suspect as a “very sick person” and a “thug.”
Trump said the injured officer was “doing great” thanks to his bulletproof vest.
“As you know, this is not the first time in the past couple of years that our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin who sought to kill,” Trump said.
“In light of this evening’s events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts to resolving our differences peacefully,” he added.
When asked whether he believed he was the target, Trump replied: “I guess.”
The Secret Service said the shooting happened at a screening area and confirmed one person was in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators were reviewing the suspect’s background and urged the public to share any relevant information.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said the suspect had been taken to a local hospital.
Several US media outlets identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.
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