Crowds were ordered off the National Mall as thunderstorms threatened the Freedom 250 patriotic rally and fireworks display.
Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate the National Mall in Washington, DC, on Saturday evening after severe storms threatened to disrupt President Donald Trump’s Independence Day speech and the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The sudden transfer came hours before Trump was expected to address his supporters “Hail to America 250” event, billed by organizers as one of the largest patriotic displays in American history.
Videos shared online showed the crowd streaming away from the area near the Washington Tower, while others appeared to remain near the platform despite warnings from police and security officials. Attendees were urged to seek shelter in nearby museums, federal buildings and Metro stations as dark clouds gathered over the capital.
CHAOS on the National Mall as tonight’s Independence Day revelers return to the mall to take their seats despite the Secret Service telling everyone to leave due to incoming thunderstorms. pic.twitter.com/SChmoOoY5Z
— Mike Carter (@MikeCarterTV) July 5, 2026
Security checks were temporarily halted, leading to confusion over whether those who left would be allowed to return before Trump’s remarks and fireworks display. Some military highways and other scheduled features were also reported to be canceled or delayed due to the weather.
The event was already affected by the extreme heat. Washington’s Independence Day parade was canceled earlier in the day, when temperatures in the capital were expected to exceed 100F. Similar celebrations in several other East Coast cities were also hampered by dangerous weather.
Right now on the National Mall interviewing people. The crowd refuses to leave when ordered by the Secret Service due to concerns about lightning. At one point, there was a stampede to the stage when the announcer came in asking them to leave again. pic.twitter.com/Tnzj0NynZu
— James O’Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) July 4, 2026
The White House had promoted the meeting on the National Mall as the centerpiece of a year-long celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The official program included a full day of performances, ceremonies honoring service members, Trump’s keynote speech, and what organizers described as the largest fireworks display in history.
Despite the storm warning, Trump was still expected to speak later in the evening, although the schedule was not known.
You can share this story on social networks:
Follow RT on
