USA05 July, 20263 min read
Evacuation Ordered At Washington, D.C. National Mall As Storms Gather Before Trump’s July 4 Speech
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
National Mall evacuated as storms gathered ahead of Trump's July 4 address. Historic heat wave forced cancellations or alterations of Independence Day events nationwide.
Heat, storms, evacuation
The United States marked its 250th anniversary of independence on Saturday as a historic heat wave and gathering storms forced changes to celebrations, including an evacuation ordered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. hours before President Donald Trump was scheduled to deliver a speech.
At the National Mall, those on the grounds were encouraged to go to federal buildings nearby or Smithsonian museums, while Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said, "Freedom 250 will share updates on programming and doors reopening."
ABC News reported that the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" event was slated to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, but the program was delayed and attendees were asked to temporarily leave and seek shelter in nearby buildings.
ABC News meteorologists said the preliminary high temperature in Washington, D.C., Saturday was 102, breaking the previous record high of 100 degrees set on July 4, 1919, as a severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect until 10 p.m.
The storms and heat also affected other Independence Day plans, with ABC News noting that the opening on Saturday at the Great American State Fair was pushed back two hours due to heat and that the fair had to close down temporarily Friday because of the high temperatures.
Trump downplays heat
Trump downplayed the intense heat in a social media post Saturday afternoon, saying, "Despite the heat, which isn’t as bad as predicted, the crowds in D.C. are INCREDIBLE," as he prepared to speak at 10 p.m. ABC News said Trump told reporters on Wednesday, "It’s going to be approximately 107 degrees out, and I’m going to go, and I’m going to make a really long speech just to show that I can do anything," while also warning about dangerous storms that could hit the D.C. metro area Saturday evening. The Associated Press described the 250th anniversary celebrations as colliding with political polarization and a heat wave, and it said Trump was in South Dakota at Mount Rushmore on Friday delivering a speech about the threat of communism in the U.S.
In Washington, ABC News said Freedom 250 organizers were closely monitoring weather conditions and that Danielle Avalrez told attendees, "The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority," as medical response plans included first-aid tents and additional ambulances. ABC News also reported that the secured viewing area for the fireworks on the Washington Monument grounds has a capacity of approximately 150,000 people and is expected to fill early, with fireworks expected to begin between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Nationwide adjustments, fireworks
Across the country, the 250th anniversary celebrations continued with modifications as heat indices reached up to 46 degrees in some places, and ANSA Latina said authorities suspended for safety reasons the traditional Independence Day parade in the capital while reducing or postponing other outdoor celebrations. ANSA Latina said the heat also altered celebrations in Philadelphia, where the traditional Fourth of July parade was canceled though the nighttime concert and fireworks display remain, while Boston introduced modifications to minimize public exposure to extreme temperatures. In Washington, ABC News said the fireworks display was billed as the largest display ever held over the National Mall and would feature 850,000 pyrotechnic effects and fireworks, launching from 10 sites around the National Monument.
ABC News added that the celebration would include several military flyovers and that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is expected to close beginning at noon on July Fourth to accommodate the aerial demonstrations. Meanwhile, CNBC reported that Trump’s National Mall appearance was accompanied by military flyovers and a supersized fireworks display, and it said the event has drawn criticism as divisive while the National Mall was fenced off for the "Great American State Fair".