Storms disrupt celebrations…the National Mall is evacuated before Trump’s speech

On Saturday, American authorities ordered the evacuation of the National Mall in Washington, DC, as severe storms approached the area, hours before an expected speech by President Donald Trump on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

The organizers of the “Freedom 250” events called on attendees to leave the celebration sites and temporarily go to nearby buildings to take cover, in coordination with the US Secret Service, the US Park Police, the National Parks Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Danielle Alvarez, spokeswoman for Freedom 250, said in a statement, “The safety of our guests, participating artists, and work teams is our top priority,” explaining that the evacuation decision came due to the approaching severe storms.

Identified shelter locations included the Departments of Commerce, Education, and Agriculture, the IRS, the Voice of America Building, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, along with the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Ronald Reagan Building.

The organizers called on attendees to remain calm, follow the instructions of law enforcement forces and event organizing teams, and follow the official channels of “Freedom 250” to obtain the latest developments.

Alvarez confirmed that the organizers will announce any updates related to the events program and the reopening of the sites.

The evacuation decision comes at a time when Washington is preparing to host large-scale events marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, including a speech by President Trump, public performances and celebrations.