White House Correspondents’ dinner guests hide under tables and chairs
US President Donald Trump has been rushed from the White House Correspondents’ dinner as gunfire was heard inside a Washington DC hotel.
Some of America’s most high-profile politicians, diplomats and journalists were gathered in the Washington Hilton ballroom when they were forced to take cover under tables.
The suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, US media report – he will be formally charged in court on Monday.
One US security agent was injured and received treatment in hospital, authorities said.
Here’s how the night played out – in pictures.
Reuters
Trump is rushed off stage by Secret Service agents as heavily armed officers survey the scene
Getty Images
Getty Images
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is escorted out of the ballroom
Getty Images
Getty Images
Stephen Miller, one of Trump’s most senior aides, and his wife Katie take cover
Reuters
House Speaker Mike Johnson is taken out of the ballroom
Reuters
@realDonaldTrump/ Truth Social
A photo shows a shirtless man on the floor with his hands cuffed behind his back with secret service standing around him. Trump said at the White House he had directed it to be posted
Reuters
The scene of the shooting at the Washington Hilton
Anadolu via Getty Images
Shortly after sharing the Truth Social posts of the suspect, Trump took questions from the press at the White House press briefing room – still dressed in his tuxedo.
AFP via Getty Images
Many of the WHCA guests were dressed in ball gowns and tuxedos for the special event before whizzing over to the Press Briefing room to receive an update from Trump.
Bloomberg via Getty Images
Trump says it was “traumatic” for his wife Melania, who made a rare appearance at the Press Briefing Room
EPA
Guests stand outside after exiting the venue, initially confused after being told the event may continue.