WASHINGTON: A dramatic security scare unfolded on Saturday night when gunfire erupted during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, triggering panic among hundreds of high-profile attendees and prompting the evacuation of Donald Trump, who was later confirmed unharmed.

The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton shortly after the event began, with more than 2,600 guests in attendance. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as a loud noise, later identified as gunfire, sent attendees scrambling for cover, with many ducking under tables.

According to reports, Trump had been discreetly alerted moments earlier after being handed a note, while individuals seated nearby appeared visibly alarmed as the situation escalated.

Agents from the United States Secret Service quickly moved in, escorting the president and the first lady to safety. Several senior officials, including Mike Johnson, were also evacuated under heavy security.

Eyewitnesses said armed security personnel rushed into the ballroom as guests fled towards exits. Officials including Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Doug Burgum were reportedly pushed to the ground by agents for protection as evacuations were carried out in phases.

Authorities said one law enforcement officer was shot during the incident but survived due to wearing a bulletproof vest. The suspect was apprehended alive at the scene, with investigations into the motive ongoing.

The event was subsequently cancelled, with Trump later indicating it could be rescheduled within the next month.

Speaking at a press conference afterwards, the US president described the attacker as a “would-be assassin” who was armed with multiple weapons and had managed to breach a security checkpoint before being stopped.

He said he believed the suspect acted alone and ruled out any immediate link to international conflicts, including tensions involving Iran.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the incident, saying he was “deeply shocked” and wished Trump continued safety and well-being.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, as questions are raised over security arrangements at one of Washington’s most prominent annual gatherings.