Trump White House highlights: 'Stopped cold, never came close to entering ballroom': Trump on White House shooter

Five to eight shots were reportedly fired near the White House Correspondents' Association dinner venue in Washington on Saturday night, triggering panic, a sweeping security response and the evacuation of US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other top officials. The high-profile annual event at the Washington Hilton, attended by senior political leaders, journalists, celebrities and guests, was abruptly thrown into chaos as witnesses described hearing gunfire and seeing heavily armed security personnel rush into the ballroom.Attendees said the atmosphere changed within seconds as officers entered the hall shouting for people to get down. Guests in formal attire ducked under tables while glasses shattered and meals were abandoned in the scramble for cover. Security teams reportedly moved toward the dais where Trump had been seated moments earlier, while others secured exits and corridors. Guests said people screamed and many believed the shots had been fired inside the venue before officials clarified the situation.The US Secret Service later said the shooting occurred near the main screening area outside the ballroom, indicating that the event hall itself was not the direct scene of the gunfire. Authorities said a suspect charged the checkpoint carrying multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun and knives. Officers intercepted the man and exchanged gunfire before taking him into custody. Officials later described the suspect as a lone actor and said there was no immediate threat to the public.Trump later addressed reporters at the White House, saying he was initially shocked and thought the sound was a falling tray. He praised the Secret Service and police for acting quickly, calling the response exceptional. Trump said one officer had been shot during the confrontation but survived because he was wearing a bulletproof vest. He added that the officer was in strong condition and high spirits after the incident.Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect would face multiple charges, including firearms offences and assault on a federal officer. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators were reviewing ballistic evidence, shell casings and witness statements. Police sealed nearby streets, helicopters hovered overhead and National Guard personnel were later seen inside the building as authorities completed security sweeps.