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By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, April 25 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump was rushed out of the annual White House correspondents' dinner in Washington on Saturday following several loud bangs, with an alleged shooter being taken into custody.

Trump was sitting on the stage in front of a hotel ballroom during the event hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association. Following loud sounds, Trump was forced to duck and escorted out of the place by the Secret Service personnel. There were no reports of injuries.

"Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"I have recommended that we "LET THE SHOW GO ON" but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we'll just, plain, have to do it again," he added.

The dinner was attended by Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, to name a few.

U.S. Secret Service agents respond near President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington on April 25, 2026, in this photo released by the Associated Press. (Yonhap)

sshluck@yna.co.kr
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