Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton reacted after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner and attendees dropped to the floor after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton hotel.
The White House Correspondents Association was set to host its annual dinner on Saturday night, April 25, celebrating the First Amendment, but the event was canceled because of reports of shots being fired in rooms above the ballroom where the event was held.
Trump, the first lady and all cabinet secretaries in attendance were evacuated and have been reported to be safe.
Law enforcement officials are evacuating the ballroom, and the event has been canceled. The president, first lady, vice president and all Cabinet officials are safe, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed in a post on X.
One individual is in custody, and the Secret Service is investigating the incident, Guglielmi added.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump said in a social media post. “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.”
Gov. Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton respond
This event sparked several high-ranking Texas leaders to take to social media to comment on the situation. Chiefly among them was Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who said prayers had been answered with the president’s and all attendees’ safety.
“Many thanks to the U.S. Secret Service for their swift, decisive action to neutralize the threat and protect all in attendance,” read Abbott’s post. “May God continue to bless and protect our great nation.”
Other leaders include Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who passed along his prayers, and state House Speaker Dustin Burrows.
“As we continue to monitor, may God bless and protect our country and her leaders,” read Burrows’ social media post.
The situation is still unfolding with the event being canceled and rescheduled for a later date. President Trump said on social media that he will speak on the matter from the White House later tonight.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Abbott, Paxton react after shooting halts WHCA dinner
Reporting by Mateo Rosiles, USA TODAY NETWORK / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
