FBI Director Kash Patel acted swiftly to protect others as shots rang out at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. Chaos erupted inside the Washington Hilton after a shooter opened fire in the lobby around 8:15 pm, prompting the Secret Service to rush into action, securing President Donald Trump and hundreds of guests.
Patel's Quick Response
Patel, who was a guest of the Daily Mail, immediately instructed others at his table to get down. As reporters huddled on the floor and underneath tables, Patel yelled 'stay down.' Daily Mail reporters in attendance reported hearing three to four shots and Secret Service agents yelling for everyone to get down.
Aftermath and Escort
Patel attended the dinner alongside his girlfriend Alexis Wilkins. When it was safe to stand back up, Patel and Wilkins asked the reporters standing next to them if they were OK, and then were escorted out of the ballroom by his security detail. Notably, Patel did not take cover under the table like others, remaining upright as he told those at his table to stay down.
Official Statements
The US Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating the shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area. One individual is in custody, a White House official told The Daily Mail. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.
President Trump confirmed the gunman was in custody in a post to Truth Social, stating: '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 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.'
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both rushed off stage after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton. They have since departed the hotel and returned to the White House. The President was attending the event for the first time since 2011 and was set to be honored and give a speech.
