WASHINGTON: A shooting incident occurred during a dinner in honor of the White House media representatives in the presence of US President Donald Trump in Washington, in which President Trump remained safe while the attacker was caught.
According to US media, a loud noise was heard during the dinner held at the Hilton Hotel, causing a brief commotion due to security concerns. During this time, Secret Service officials took President Trump out of the ceremony.
The dinner ceremony for representatives covering the White House had just begun when President Trump was shown a slip. A similar slip had previously been shown to White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt. Upon which, a woman sitting on one side of President Trump was seen surprised.
More than 2,600 people participated in the ceremony. After the shooting, the participants of the ceremony hid under the tables.
Suddenly, there was a sound of gunfire, upon which President Trump and other participants got out of their seats and went downstairs. During this time, Secret Service officials took President Trump out, while several officials drew their guns.
US media say that the shooter ran towards the magnetometer at the main entrance and shot a Secret Service officer in the ballroom.
Security officials are assessing the situation.
President Trump’s statement after the shooting
US President Donald Trump issued a statement on social media, saying that it was an extraordinary evening in Washington, DC. The Secret Service and law enforcement agencies did a great job, they acted quickly and bravely.
Trump said that the attacker has been taken into custody and that he has recommended that “the show go on”, however, we will fully comply with the instructions of law enforcement agencies.
According to sources, the 31-year-old suspected attacker is a resident of the state of California.
