WASHINGTON — Severe weather disrupted the marquee celebration of America’s 250th birthday yesterday, threatening a much-hyped rally and speech in Washington by President Donald Trump who has sought to stamp his mark on the anniversary.
Tens of thousands who braved a suffocating heat wave to attend the event on the National Mall were ordered to evacuate several hours ahead of Trump’s address due to an approaching thunderstorm.
While many streamed toward exits, chaos broke out as other attendees refused to leave or tried to surge back in, shouting “charge!” and “Trump! Trump!”
“We are evacuating! Move!” officers shouted to the thousands of holdouts, ranging from elderly visitors to families with infants. It was not clear when the site would reopen.
Tension built as security officers struggled to control the crowd. Police lined up in rows and shined their flashlights to push people back, while a security vehicle tried to herd others toward an exit.
Trump had organised hours of military flyovers and an unusual campaign-style political rally for July Fourth, the anniversary of the 1776 signing of the country’s Declaration of Independence. The finale was a 40-minute fireworks show touted as the biggest ever.
“Despite the heat, which isn’t as bad as predicted, the crowds in DC are INCREDIBLE!” Trump posted to Truth Social earlier Yesterday, as temperatures soared to 101F (38C) in the capital.
A swath of the eastern US was sweltering in a heat wave, with 160 million Americans under extreme weather warnings, according to the National Weather Service. Heat wreaked havoc on the parades, block parties and barbecues that traditionally mark July Fourth.
Earlier, Washington’s parade was cancelled as the “feels like” temperature soared to 107F.
“The event and what it means to our country, it inspires you,” said Randy Cole, 62, a retired civil servant attending festivities in Washington.
“Experiencing a little heat is a lot less than what a lot of people sacrifice to give us this freedom in this awesome country.”
Trump, 80, said he was undeterred by the smothering heat and promised to make a “really long speech — just to show that I can do anything.”
