250 Years of USA: Central Washington D.C. Celebration Interrupted by Storm

The main 250th-anniversary celebrations for the United States in Washington, D.C., were abruptly halted by severe weather on Saturday evening. A thunderstorm warning forced thousands of attendees to evacuate the National Mall, seeking shelter in nearby buildings. The disruption led to the postponement of President Donald Trump's highly anticipated speech and the world's largest fireworks display, which were rescheduled for later in the night. Many attendees, dressed in patriotic colors, found refuge in crowded cafes or waited on sidewalks. Earlier in the day, despite temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius, thousands had gathered to watch an airshow. A planned parade in Philadelphia was also canceled due to the heat. Amidst the festivities, political tensions were evident. Opposition Democrats accused the president of using the anniversary for a partisan rally ahead of the midterm elections. Trump himself had previously warned of a "communist threat" in the U.S. The deep divisions within American society were further highlighted by a march of masked white men, some displaying Confederate flags and chanting slogans associated with white supremacy, near the Capitol. In contrast, Pope Leo XIV used the occasion to deliver a message of reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of welcoming and protecting immigrants.

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He will hold his speech, no matter when.