July 4 live: Trump’s state fair visitors told to evacuate immediately putting president’s speech in limbo
Freedom 250 attendees have been evacuated from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as severe weather threatens the capital’s Fourth of July celebrations.
Officials are asking everyone to “evacuate event grounds and seek temporary shelter in a nearby building,” according to a Freedom 250 spokesperson. The Secret Service also “temporarily suspended” nearby security checkpoints due to “rapidly deteriorating weather conditions,” and there’s “no estimate for when screening may resume,” spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said.
Washington could be hit with heavy winds, hail and lightning as severe storms roll through the area this evening, according to the National Weather Service. President Donald Trump had promised to deliver a “really long” speech on the National Mall this evening, followed by a massive fireworks show, but the expected storms may impact the schedule.
Earlier Saturday, extreme heat forced organizers to cancel Washington’s Independence Day parade. Hundreds of members of the neofascist group Patriot Front also gathered in the nation’s capital this afternoon, chanting “reclaim America” as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Meanwhile, Trump delivered a dark speech against “godless” communists from the foot of Mount Rushmore Friday night as his allies increasingly warn against what they see as a Democratic-led invasion ahead of November’s crucial midterm elections.
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Secret Service 'temporarily' suspends checkpoints on National Mall
The U.S. Secret Service has “temporarily” suspended its security checkpoints on the National Mall due to “rapidly deteriorating weather conditions,” spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X.
“No one is being admitted at this time. This action was taken solely in the interest of public safety, and we have no estimate for when screening may resume,” he added.
Freedom 250 spokesperson addresses evacuation order
Freedom 250 events on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., have been evacuated due to “severe weather.”
Here’s what Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez had to say about the order:
“The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority. Due to approaching severe storms, Freedom 250, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are asking all guests to evacuate event grounds and seek temporary shelter in a nearby building.”
“Available shelter locations include the Department of Commerce, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service, VOA Building, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the African American Museum, and the Ronald Reagan Building.”
“Please remain calm, follow the directions of law enforcement and event staff, and stay tuned to Freedom 250's official channels for updates. Freedom 250 will share updates on programming and doors reopening — please stay close to our official channels for updates."
In pictures: Freedom 250 attendees evacuate as storms approach
Freedom 250 attendees are being asked to evacuate the National Mall as severe storms approach.
Check out the scene below:
White nationalist Patriot Front gang chants ‘reclaim America’ as members march through DC on Fourth of July
Hundreds of members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front briefly marched through the nation’s capital under triple-digit temperatures to commemorate the Fourth of July, chanting “reclaim America” while carrying American and Confederate flags.
Keep reading:
White nationalist Patriot Front chants ‘reclaim America’ during July 4th march in DC
Members of the group were seen marching with Confederate flags as the capital celebrated America’s 250th anniversaryAlex Woodward
Freedom 250 evacuates guests due to severe weather
The Freedom 250 events on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., are being evacuated due to severe weather, according to an announcement made on the official livestream.
“Freedom 250 is directing all guests to immediately evacuate the event grounds due to approaching severe weather,” the announcer said.
“Please remain calm. Proceed to the nearest exit. Follow all instructions from law enforcement, event staff, and volunteers. We thank you for your cooperation again,” they added.
This comes after the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Washington and the surrounding areas until 10 p.m. local time.
Trump kicks off July 4 with trolling Pee-wee Herman and Alfred E. Neuman memes
After using Mount Rushmore as a backdrop for a dark Independence Day eve speech that cast his political enemies as “godless” communists, the president popped on Truth Social to post memes of two prominent Democrats as Pee-wee Herman and the gap-toothed mascot for Mad magazine.
Keep reading:
Trump kicks off July 4 with trolling Pee-wee Herman and Alfred E. Neuman memes
Trump caps off apocalyptic Independence Day speech on midterm elections with Truth Social posts aimed at DemocratsAlex Woodward
DC streets packed for July 4
The streets of Washington, D.C., are packed with people making their way toward the National Mall for tonight’s celebrations.
In pictures: Military helicopters fly over National Mall for July 4
Several military helicopters flew over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of the Fourth of July celebrations this afternoon.
Check out the scene below:
Severe thunderstorm watch in effect
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas until 10 p.m. local time, the National Weather Service said.
Storms have the potential to bring quarter-sized hail, wind gusts up to 75 mph and lightning, the agency said.
July 4 fireworks on National Mall expected to cause hazardous pollution, Park Service warned in internal documents
More than 850,000 pyrotechnic effects are set to be launched from the National Mall and around D.C. tonight.
But internal National Park Service documents suggest particles from firework combustion could create “very unhealthy” conditions in central D.C this weekend.
The area is under a thunderstorm watch and extreme heat through the night.
July 4 fireworks on National Mall expected to cause hazardous pollution: report
Internal National Park Service documents seen by The Washington Post suggest visitors should “avoid prolonged exposure” in unhealthy areasAlex WoodwardNewerOlder
