More details are emerging regarding the suspect who attempted to breach the security at White House during the Correspondents' Association dinner, resulting in the evacuation of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Saturday night.
According to reports, the man was armed with a shotgun and fired at a Secret Service agent first, an FBI official told Reuters. The agent was hit in an area covered by protective gear and not harmed.
Officials said the shooting took place near the main magnetometer screening area at the Washington Hilton, where guests pass through security before entering the event.
Though the FBI’s Washington field office did not reveal the identity of the shooter, it said its National Capital Response Squad responded to the shooting at the Washington Hilton and that a subject is in custody.
The President also put up a post saying the shooter was apprehended. “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, and I have recommended that we 'LET THE SHOW GO ON' but will be entirely guided by Law Enforcement," he wrote in a post. “They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different from planned, and we’ll just plain have to do it again," he said.
He also confirmed that one officer was shot by the gunman but is "in great shape." "One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing obviously a very good bulletproof vest," Trump said. "He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job. "I just spoke to the officer, and he's doing great. He's in great shape. He is, it's very high spirits," Trump said in his remarks after the incident.
It is the first White House Correspondents' Association Dinner he has attended as president.
