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President Donald Trump applauded the Secret Service and law enforcement for acting quickly after a shooter opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel Saturday evening.
After being evacuated from the venue, along with other members of the administration, the president wrote on Truth Social that it was “quite an evening” and said he recommended the annual dinner continue as planned.
“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” Trump wrote around 9:20 p.m.
“Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
Shortly after appetizers were served, a person fired several gunshots near the security checkpoint of the event, sending the entire ballroom into temporary lockdown. Journalists took cover underneath tables, including The Independent reporters.
No injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath.
Secret Service members demanded the president take cover after a person opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner ( AP )
What happened
Shortly after the appetizers were served, dinner attendees heard several gunshots ring out.
Reporters from The Independent, who were seated at a table in the back of the ballroom, said they heard approximately five gunshots before watching agents draw their firearms. Upon realizing what was happening, guests took cover underneath tables.
Secret Service swarmed the banquet hall, yelling at the president to get out of the way and demanding that people duck.
The president and first lady were swiftly removed from the scene.
One woman, who was seated at a table with reporters, began crying, saying the incident was the scariest thing she had ever experienced, according to The Independent’s John Bowden.
More follows...