Trump rushed off stage after shooting at White House correspondents’ dinner (VIDEOS)

The US president said the shooter was apprehended and praised Secret Service for acting “quickly and bravely”

Loud bangs ripped through the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, sending guests diving for cover as Secret Service agents with guns drawn stormed the room, shouting, “Shots fired!”

The annual black-tie gathering was thrown into chaos as President Donald Trump and other top officials were rushed out under heavy security. Authorities had not detailed the nature of the incident in the initial aftermath, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended,” Trump later wrote on Truth Social, adding that the first lady, the vice president, and all Cabinet members were “in perfect condition.”

The US president said he had recommended officials “LET THE SHOW GO ON,” but law enforcement had requested that everyone leave the premises “consistent with protocol.”

Trump said he would hold a press conference from the White House briefing room, while the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days.

According to footage from the scene, the incident triggered a major security response and immediate chaos inside one of Washington’s most high-profile political and media gatherings.

The annual dinner, held by the White House Correspondents’ Association, had just begun, and Trump and first lady Melania Trump had arrived only shortly before the disruption unfolded, cutting short what would have been his first appearance at the event as president.