Shots were fired near United States President Donald Trump during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. on Saturday night, prompting a swift security response and the arrest of a suspect.

According to officials, the gunman was intercepted at a security screening area just outside the hotel ballroom at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where hundreds of guests had gathered for the high-profile event.

Trump was immediately rushed off the stage as security personnel moved guests to safety, with some attendees diving under tables amid the confusion.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump commended security agencies for their response. “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended,” he said.

The United States Secret Service confirmed that one suspect is in custody and that the incident occurred near the main screening point, not inside the ballroom itself.

Law enforcement officers, including tactical teams, secured the venue, while police vehicles and helicopters were deployed around the area.

A cabinet official, Mehmet Oz, said there were reports of “shots fired upstairs” as he and others were escorted out by security personnel.

Trump later said he would hold a press conference at the White House and confirmed that the First Lady, Vice President, and cabinet members were unharmed.

The event—often referred to as the “Nerd Prom”—was eventually postponed following the incident, despite initial plans to continue.

The dinner, which brings together journalists, politicians, and media executives, had only just begun, with Trump yet to deliver his scheduled remarks.

Saturday’s scare adds to previous security incidents involving Trump, including an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania in 2024.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the suspect or the motive behind the shooting.