Washington Evacuates Crowds as Severe Storms Threaten National Mall Ahead of Presidential Address

Federal officials ordered thousands of people to leave the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Sunday night as severe storms approached the city, ahead of a presidential speech and a fireworks display commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday.

The evacuation began around 7 p.m., the same time the festivities were scheduled to start. Many attendees had already stood in long security lines, enduring intense heat while waiting to pass through Secret Service metal detectors and enter the mall. A number of them resisted leaving the area.

After lightning was observed in the vicinity, spectators were urged to seek shelter in nearby buildings, including Smithsonian museums, the Jefferson Memorial, and some federal department buildings such as the Internal Revenue Service. However, several of those buildings were not available elections or the appropriate shelter status.

Crowds gathered in front of the Commerce Department’s entrance, which remained locked, while a nearby officer simply shrugged when asked how to enter.

A Secret Service spokesperson later released a statement noting that no new people were allowed into the mall and explaining that the decision was “solely in the interest of public safety.” The agency added that it had no estimate for when screenings might resume.

Tension rose as several কোথাও foolishly refused to leave, chanting “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!”. A federal law‑enforcement officer attempted to reassure the crowd that the event was not canceled, but many remained unconvinced.

The National Weather Service maintained a severe thunderstorm watch for the Washington region until 10 p.m. the following evening.

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