An image circulating widely on social media is being claimed as the first visual of the suspected gunman linked to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner scare in Washington, DC. However, authorities have not verified the authenticity of the image or confirmed whether the individual shown is the person in custody.
Amid the speculation, US President Donald Trump also shared a photo on his platform Truth Social, claiming it showed the accused shooter. Despite this, no law enforcement agency has officially identified the suspect or matched him to the viral image.
Incident unfolds outside event venue
The security scare began outside the venue where the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was being held. Reports indicate that gunfire broke out near the entrance area, triggering panic inside the ballroom where hundreds of guests had gathered.
Attendees described a chaotic scene as loud noises, believed to be gunshots, were heard. Many people took cover under tables while security personnel moved quickly to control the situation. Shouts of ‘Out of the way, sir!’ were heard as confusion spread across the hall.
Security agencies respond swiftly
The United States Secret Service acted immediately, securing the location and evacuating key attendees. Armed personnel moved in and established control as the situation unfolded. A large security presence, including additional forces and aerial surveillance, was deployed soon after.
Officials later confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody, but no further details about identity or motive have been released so far.
Top leadership escorted to safety
President Donald Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, was quickly escorted out by security officials. Other senior leaders, including Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet members, were also safely evacuated from the premises.
Trump later confirmed online that a ‘shooter had been apprehended’ and said all senior officials were ‘in perfect condition.’ He also praised security agencies, calling their response a ‘fantastic job.’
Initial reports suggest that the suspect, believed to be carrying a shotgun, fired towards a Secret Service officer stationed near a screening point. The officer, protected by a bullet-resistant vest, did not suffer serious injuries.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the sequence of events and further details are expected as the probe progresses.
Event cancelled amid ongoing probe
Following the incident, the high-profile dinner was called off. The venue was cleared and preparations were dismantled shortly after the evacuation.
White House Correspondents’ Association president Weijia Jiang acknowledged the disruption, saying, ‘We will do this again,’ indicating that the event would return in the future despite the setback.
