White House correspondents' annual dinner to be rescheduled; Trump to meet press soon

WASHINGTON: The White House Correspondents’ Annual Dinner has been postponed and will be rescheduled following a security incident that led to the evacuation of US President Donald Trump and other senior officials.

The decision comes after law enforcement advised that the premises be cleared as a precaution, with authorities continuing to assess the situation.

Trump posted on Truth Social, “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”

According to officials, preparations are now underway for a press conference at the White House Press Briefing Room, where Trump is expected to provide further details on the incident and the response by security agencies. The administration has confirmed that all key officials, including the First Lady, Vice President, and Cabinet members, are safe and accounted for.

Trump and several senior US officials were evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night after multiple gunshots were reported. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Secret Service agents and other security personnel rushed into the banquet hall as panic spread among attendees. Guests reportedly took cover under tables while security officers urged people to duck.