Donald Trump left the White House Correspondents’ Dinner early on Saturday night after an evacuation was triggered by a shooting incident near the venue, according to multiple eyewitness accounts and law enforcement sources. The former president was escorted from the Washington Hilton hotel by Secret Service agents shortly after 10:30 p.m., following reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the event. The evacuation occurred as Senator JD Vance was delivering remarks on stage. Vance paused mid-speech when security personnel rushed the aisles, prompting confusion among attendees. Trump, who had been seated at a table near the front, stood and was guided out through a side entrance by his protective detail. No injuries were reported among guests or staff at the dinner. Metropolitan Police Department officials confirmed they responded to a call regarding shots fired in the 1900 block of Connecticut Avenue NW, approximately two blocks from the hotel. Officers recovered a shell casing at the scene but made no immediate arrests. Investigators said they are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras to identify a suspect. The department stated there is no ongoing threat to the public and that the incident appears isolated. White House Correspondents’ Association leaders said the dinner resumed after a brief pause, with Vance completing his remarks and the evening’s program continuing as scheduled. The association declined to comment on specific security protocols but affirmed coordination with federal and local law enforcement. Trump’s spokesperson later said the former president left “out of an abundance of caution” and had no knowledge of the shooting at the time of his evacuation. The spokesperson added that Trump remained in contact with his security team throughout the incident and departed Washington the following morning. The shooting marks the first time a security evacuation has occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner since the event returned to in-person format in 2022 after two years of virtual gatherings due to the pandemic. The dinner, traditionally attended by journalists, politicians, and celebrities, has seen heightened security in recent years amid increased threats against public figures. No further details about the shooter or motive have been released by authorities. The Metropolitan Police Department said the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information to come forward. The White House Correspondents’ Association has not announced any changes to future event planning in response to the incident.
Only write the title, nothing else. Trump’s Odd Explanation for Evacuation After JD Vance at White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting
