DistantNews
Support us
Washington's Main July Fourth Event Evacuated Over Approaching Storm
🇮🇪 Ireland /Disasters & Emergencies

Washington's Main July Fourth Event Evacuated Over Approaching Storm

From RTÉ News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • A major July Fourth celebration on Washington's National Mall was evacuated due to an approaching severe thunderstorm.
  • The evacuation occurred hours before President Donald Trump was scheduled to deliver an address.
  • Fierce winds and lightning prompted officials to order attendees to seek shelter immediately.

Tens of thousands of people celebrating July Fourth on Washington's National Mall were forced to evacuate Sunday evening as a severe thunderstorm approached the capital. The evacuation order came just hours before President Donald Trump was scheduled to deliver a campaign-style address to the crowd.

For your safety directing all guests to immediately evacuate.

— OfficialsAnnounced during the evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather.

Fierce wind gusts began buffeting the National Mall, and lightning flashed nearby, prompting officials to announce an immediate evacuation for the safety of all guests. Attendees were directed to seek shelter in nearby museums and government buildings.

When you have lightning less than 5km away that's a mandatory evacuation.

— Secret Service officerExplaining the evacuation order to a hesitant family.

Despite the warnings, some individuals initially refused to leave the area, chanting "USA, USA, USA" as a pair of B2 bombers flew overhead as part of a planned military flyover. Law enforcement officers eventually had to intervene and escort the holdouts out of the area.

We are evacuating, start moving.

— Secret Service officerUrging people to leave the National Mall area.

The DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management agency confirmed the severe thunderstorm was near the National Mall and urged everyone to seek shelter immediately, emphasizing, "Do not wait."

A severe thunderstorm is occurring near the National Mall. Seek shelter immediately. Do not wait.

— DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management agencyPosted on X (formerly Twitter) during the event.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog