Last Saturday evening, the American media class descended for its annual jamboree of back-slapping at the Washington Hilton. Protesters outside waved signs reading “Death to tyrants” and “Death to all of them.”

The atmosphere inside was more jovial. Donald Trump was attending the dinner for the first time since becoming President, along with most of his cabinet and senior officials. We were expecting him to give the assembled media a good roasting – and some of us were looking forward to it.

Attendees had to show invitations to get into the hotel, but there were few ID checks and no screening as we went to the pre-parties thrown by the major news organizations. Only when we walked into the main dinner hall did we pass through metal detectors.

How pleased a few journalists looked to be able to report from the front lines while having access to a buffet

How pleased a few journalists looked to be able to report from the front lines while having access to a buffet

The President, Vice-President and heads of the White House Correspondents’ Association took their places at the raised head table. The US colors were displayed and the national anthem sung. Then we got down to the real business of the evening: gossip.

I was picking at my burrata and talking to colleagues when the chaos began. Those by the main doors heard the gunshots first, but I was seated at one of the New York Post tables, just in front of the President. All I heard was a crash from the back and then gasps before what seemed like a legion of armed agents, guns drawn, swarmed........

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