What it was like in the room as shots rang out at correspondents' dinner

BBC journalist Gary O'Donoghue recounts the moment shots erupted at a correspondents' dinner, sending attendees diving for cover. | Contesto: cronaca

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• What it was like in the room as shots rang out at correspondents' dinner

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A routine correspondents' dinner turned into a scene of chaos and fear Thursday evening as gunfire erupted, sending journalists and guests scrambling for cover. Gary O'Donoghue, a BBC correspondent who was present in the room, described the harrowing moment when the sound of shots rang out, abruptly ending the festive atmosphere. “We were all sitting there, enjoying the evening, when suddenly we heard what sounded like gunshots,” O'Donoghue said. “Instinctively, everyone hit the floor. It was pure pandemonium.” The event, which had drawn a crowd of media professionals and dignitaries, was intended as a celebration of journalism and free press, but instead became a stark reminder of the risks faced by those in the field. The shooting occurred at the venue hosting the annual correspondents' dinner, an event traditionally marked by camaraderie and reflection on the state of the media. O'Donoghue, who has covered conflicts and crises worldwide, noted that the experience was uniquely unsettling because it happened in a setting typically associated with safety and collegiality. “In war zones, you expect danger, but here, among colleagues and friends, it was a shock to the system,” he said. The incident prompted an immediate response from security personnel, who evacuated the building as attendees took cover under tables and in corners. No details have been released about the shooter or potential casualties, but witnesses reported a sense of disbelief as the evening descended into turmoil. The correspondents' dinner has long been a staple of the media calendar, offering a rare opportunity for journalists to gather informally with political leaders and other influencers. This year’s event, however, will be remembered for the violence that shattered its tranquility. O'Donoghue emphasized that the quick actions of those present likely prevented further harm. “People were remarkably calm under pressure,” he said. “We all knew what to do—get low, stay quiet, and wait for instructions.” The incident raises questions about security at public gatherings, even those attended by seasoned professionals accustomed to high-stakes environments. The broader implications of the...

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Categoria: cronaca