A serious security incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel after gunshots were fired near the venue.

According to reports, an armed man opened fire near a metal detector outside the ballroom, firing at least six rounds before security personnel responded with return fire and took him into custody.

The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, triggering panic inside the event. Journalists and guests reportedly hid under tables as chaos erupted, with eyewitnesses describing a sudden stampede.

CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer, who was reportedly near the scene, said he witnessed the gunman firing indiscriminately. Chairs were scattered and the smell of gunpowder filled the room after the shooting.

Following the incident, the Secret Service immediately evacuated President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance to a secure location. Trump was attending the event and speaking with journalists at the time of the incident.

He was later kept in a secure holding area near the hotel rather than being evacuated far from the site. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials were also safely removed.

In a social media post, Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response and confirmed that the gunman had been arrested. He added that authorities would determine the next steps regarding the continuation of the event.

Security has since been reinforced at the venue, and preparations are reportedly underway to resume the program. Authorities are continuing a detailed investigation into the incident.