Trump Evacuated as Shots Fired at Washington Gala
Former US President Donald Trump was hurried out of a high-profile media event in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night after a gunman opened fire.
The incident unfolded during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, held at the Washington Hilton. According to information gathered by the South African news agency African Insider, an individual managed to breach a security checkpoint just outside the main ballroom, leading to an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents.
Donald Trump
Trump, who was in attendance with former First Lady Melania Trump, had not yet begun speaking when the chaos erupted. Guests scrambled for cover as armed tactical teams stormed the stage and escorted the former president to safety.
Speaking later at an impromptu press conference, Trump described the assailant as a “lone wolf” and praised the Secret Service for their quick response. He also shared a video on social media showing the suspect running past security.
It has been reported that the suspect who was staying as a guest at the hotel was arrested at the scene. He was reportedly carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. A Secret Service officer was shot in the chest but was saved by a bulletproof vest and is said to be in stable condition.
The Washington Hilton is the same location where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. Despite Trump’s past criticism of the media, he had agreed to attend this year’s event, which was later postponed following the shooting.
International Response
World leaders were quick to condemn the attack. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock on social media, stating that violence against democratic institutions or the press is unacceptable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and his wife were horrified by the assassination attempt. French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, stressing that violence has no place in a democracy.
