WASHINGTON — It was supposed to be the largest Fourth of July celebration in recent history, featuring a record-breaking fireworks display and remarks by President Donald Trump.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.But despite Trump’s best efforts, the weather stymied his plans, forcing thousands of spectators to evacuate as lightning and dark clouds rolled over the White House toward the celebration area surrounding the Washington Monument.Shortly after the main program was set to begin, organizers announced spectators needed to evacuate.
Saturday’s evacuation was the latest instance of weather emergencies forcing officials to alter or cancel long-planned programming to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.Thousands of attendees, many of whom waited for hours in the searing heat, were directed to seek shelter in buildings near the National Mall, including the African American History Museum and the Ronald Reagan Building.Many appeared reluctant to leave until security officials urged them to evacuate.
As attendees streamed toward the exits, jets completed flyovers overhead.Inside the Ronald Reagan Building, National Guard troops set up seats for spectators clad in red, white and blue and provided free water.
In the hours before the program was set to kick off, spectators reckoned with a triple digit heat index, with multiple people telling NBC News they witnessed others pass out or experience medical issues.It is unclear whether Saturday’s event is expected to resume.
The Fourth of July programming comes amid a weekslong celebration on the National Mall, which was hit with spiking temperatures that forced officials to temporarily shut down the Great American State Fair.Health officials had more than four dozen patient contacts at the program, according to the D.C.
Fire Department.The Fourth of July event is spearheaded by Freedom 250, the public-private partnership established...