Loud bang at WHCA dinner prompts Trump evacuation; he says suspect arrested

Secret Service personnel respond to a security incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. [Photo=AP·Yonhap]

President Donald Trump was rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner after a loud bang, believed to be possible gunfire, was heard at the venue.

CNN and other outlets reported that the incident occurred about 8 p.m. on April 25 (local time) during the WHCA-hosted dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington. After concerns were raised that shots may have been fired, Secret Service agents quickly escorted Trump off the stage. Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet officials who were at the event also left the room in an emergency evacuation.

A source said Trump was safe, and administration officials were also reported to be unharmed.

According to a press pool report, multiple Secret Service agents shouted, "shots fired," and radio traffic indicated the suspect had already been arrested.

After being evacuated, Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, that "the suspect has been arrested" and that the Secret Service and law enforcement "responded excellently." He said he suggested, "LET THE SHOW GO ON," but that the final decision would be left entirely to law enforcement.

He added that authorities would decide soon, and that whatever the decision, the event would be "very different" from the original plan and would ultimately need to be held again.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Hwang Jin Hyun