Washington: President Donald Trump and other top officials of the United States were evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night following a shooting incident outside the ballroom.

The event, which has traditionally served as a platform for dialogue between the press and political leaders, turned into an emergency situation when shots were fired.

According to sources within law enforcement, a gunman identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, was responsible for initiating the incident.

Despite being confronted with multiple weapons, Allen's actions were stopped by the Secret Service.

President Trump later addressed reporters at the White House, stating that Allen had been in close proximity and armed with powerful firearms but was thwarted by bullet-resistant protective gear worn by a law enforcement officer, who is expected to recover from minor injuries.

The immediate response within the ballroom saw numerous guests taking cover under tables amidst gasps and urgent calls for information.

Journalists present quickly contacted their respective news outlets to report on the unfolding events.

After an initial attempt at resuming the dinner, it was ultimately cancelled for the evening, with plans to reschedule in the future.

Those evacuated included President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and former Florida Governor and potential presidential candidate Marco Rubio among others.

The incident took place outside the subterranean ballroom where the dinner had been held, leading authorities to flood the area with additional support as helicopters circled overhead.

The correspondents' dinner has historically been a moment for both political leaders and journalists to socialize despite often contentious relationships.

Trump's attendance marked his first time participating in this role since taking office initially during his first term.

His presence sparked discussions about the balance between press and administration interactions, an issue further highlighted by nearly 500 retired journalists signing a petition in opposition to what they saw as threats to freedom of the press.

Security measures at the event were put into immediate effect following the incident, with the National Guard members being deployed within the building.

Despite heightened tensions and concerns over safety, no specific disruptions or protests had been reported prior to the shooting.

The decision to cancel the dinner reflects an increased awareness of potential security risks in public gatherings, especially those involving high-profile individuals and journalists.