WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday evening after shots were heard from inside the room.

It is unclear if anyone was injured. The Secret Service has confirmed that the alleged shooter is in custody.

Several Epoch Times staff on the scene heard shots at about 8:40 p.m. and witnessed the reaction. Immediately after around five shots rang out, Secret Service agents rushed the stage.

Trump was scheduled to deliver a speech at the dinner at approximately 9 p.m. ET. It was the first time as president that he attended the dinner.

At around 9:05 p.m., the president of the White House Correspondents’ Association announced that the evening events are resuming and more details about the incident will be provided as they get them.

Trump posted a message on Truth Social at 9:17 p.m. stating that he would be guided by law enforcement before returning to the ballroom.

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” the president wrote. “The shooter has been apprehended, and 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. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The black-tie gala brings together thousands of media personalities, business leaders, celebrities, lawmakers, and Cabinet officials to celebrate journalism and those that cover the White House.

This year, Trump announced in a March 2 Truth Social post, “It will be my honor to accept their invitation and work to make it the greatest, hottest, and most spectacular dinner of any kind, ever.”

Attendees arrived on the red carpet beginning at 6 p.m. ET.

The Correspondents’ Association was founded in 1914 to secure freedom of the press and protect access to the White House, and the first dinner took place in 1921. The first time a president attended was 1924.