Trump safe after gunshots heard at White House correspondent’s dinner; shooter in custody

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump along with other top leaders were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House correspondents on Saturday night after gunshots were heard at the venue.

Trump was rushed off the stage and security teams swarmed past groups of invitees as people dived under the tables to protect themselves, ‌while waiters ​fled ​to the front ​of the dining hall.

"Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended," Trump said on social media.

"Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises," he added. "The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition."

Later the Secret Service said in a statement that it was investigating a shooting near the main security screening perimeter for the event.

"The president and the first lady are safe, along (with) all protectees," the agency said. "One individual is in custody."

It was not immediately clear whether the assailant fired shots, or security agents responded to the threat with gunfire of their own.

A law enforcement officer was shot in the bullet-resistant vest but is expected to be OK, one law-enforcement officer told The Associated Press