The FBI has taken a man into custody after he reportedly opened fire during an attempt to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump ​were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Association ‌dinner by Secret Service agents after the man fired at a Secret Service agent, an FBI official ​told Reuters.

The agent was hit in an area ⁠covered by protective gear and not harmed, the official said.

‘Get down!’

The incident sparked panic among the 2,600 guests. Witnesses described the moment the dinner fell silent before attendees began screaming for people to take cover.

“People started screaming ‘Get down, get down!'” one attendee said. Hundreds of guests were seen diving under tables as Secret Service officers in tactical gear flooded the dining room.

The President and First Lady were briefly seen ducking behind the dais before being hustled to safety by their security detail.

Everyone’s safe

Writing on social media shortly after the incident, the President confirmed that a “shooter had been apprehended” and praised the “fantastic job” done by law enforcement.

“The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” he added.

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, confirmed that an investigation is underway into the shooting, which occurred near the primary screening area at the entrance to the venue.

A White House press conference is expected to be held later tonight.