According to information reported by Reuters, the attacker fired at a Secret Service agent, who survived thanks to a bulletproof vest. Trump later stated that the agent is "in good condition."
The suspect, described by the president as a "sick person," was arrested shortly after the incident. Preliminary assessments indicate the attacker acted alone.
"The man rushed toward the security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and was neutralized thanks to the brave response of Secret Service agents," Trump said at a press conference.
Surveillance footage released by Trump on social media shows a person approaching the checkpoint at high speed, briefly catching security off guard before they reacted.
At the time of the shooting, approximately 2,600 guests were in the hall. Many sought cover while waitstaff fled the room. Security personnel pushed high-ranking officials to the floor, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Other security forces in combat gear stormed the stage and evacuated the president and his wife, while some took positions and aimed weapons toward the hall. Cabinet members were then evacuated one by one.
The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton hotel, the traditional venue for this prestigious event that gathers political and media elites.
Following the shooting, the dinner was canceled. Trump noted that the event could be postponed for 30 days.
Interestingly, the same location in Washington was the site of an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981, when he was shot outside the hotel.