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Then they quickly swarmed the president and rushed him and the first lady to safety (AP)
Plainclothes protective agents are almost always around anyone covering top officials or the president. They usually wear some sort of lapel pin for identification. Their jackets are tailored loosely enough to conceal holsters and extra magazines on their belts. They stand with their hands often clasped together in a “ready” position – never tucked away in their pockets.
But during my decade covering White House events, I’ve never seen any of them even reach for their weapons. Let alone draw them out until now.
Screams filled the air as people grabbed at each other’s clothes urging them to “GET DOWN, GET DOWN!” under tables while security personnel slammed shut doors leading into Washington’s largest ballroom.
More noise came from behind that door into Hilton Hotel’s ballroom before silence took over.
Maybe it was because my table was positioned behind me when I glanced back at that door. Or maybe I was too stubborn not wanting to get under that table right then. But protecting myself didn’t cross my mind at that moment.
Attendees duck for cover at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday night (Reuters)
I stayed seated, turning my head slightly rightward seeing Trump along with others being hurried out of sight.
As people huddled down low, I noticed a line of uniformed officers making their way into view from a side door carrying guns raised high into position across center stage in front of me.
Dignitaries including most members of Trump’s cabinet were quickly escorted out under armed protection.
Kash Patel, who is FBI director sat nearby among reporters from Daily Mail. Having arrived there just moments apart from him myself, I’d observed only one agent trailing closely after he moved toward his seat.
President Donald Trump held an impromptu press briefing with FBI Director Kash Patel, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin back atthe White House following shooting incident (Reuters)
A group containing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paused near back exit looking unsure about where they should go next while heeding security protocol directions given swiftly around them.
Eventually , they departed under heavy escort.
The doors slammed shut.
For about an hour , nearly 1000 reporters crammed inside faced terrible wifi service struggling valiantly trying doing our job : report.
It proved challenging without clearer information coming forth ; nevertheless some succeeded reaching various sources outside attempting confirming stories unfolding surrounding events.
Afterwards we learned “protocol” dictated cancelation had become necessary regarding dinner itself now ongoing uncertainties made things unsafe proceeding any further.
Trump along with selected members accompanying protective “pool” returned safely once again again within confines W. H., preparing eventual press conference address seeking clarity situation emerged earlier this evening.
Despite intentions announcing desires return resuming dinner awards ceremony shortly thereafter these wishes quickly ruled impossible stemming concerns remaining over possible risks still lurking unaddressed; instead promising follow-up within upcoming month ahead addressing occasion properly planned soonest possible format setting earlier expectations expressed clearly throughout discussions transpiring present tense whilst undertaking future arrangements accordingly moving forward together hand-in-hand where feasible opportunities arise eventually creating meaningful connections bonded through shared experiences alike awaiting reassurances time bears witness alongside evolving stories continuing unfold every passing second !Source link
