Dangerous storms prompt US Secret Service to evacuate National Mall ahead of Trump's Independence Day address
Washington DC, July 5
The United States Secret Service on Saturday suspended security screening at the National Mall due to dangerous storms ahead of US President Donald Trump's Independence Day address, urging people attending the celebrations to seek shelter immediately.
In a post shared on X, the Secret Service said, "CHECKPOINTS CLOSED -- SEEK SHELTER: Security screening on the National Mall has been suspended due to dangerous storms. If you are already on the grounds, follow directions from officers and event staff and move to shelter immediately. Do not shelter under trees."
The agency also released a list of designated safe shelter locations for attendees, including the Ronald Reagan Building, the Departments of Commerce, Agriculture and Education, the Internal Revenue Service building, the Voice of America building, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The post came hours after US President Trump hailed the large crowds gathered in Washington for celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US Independence.
In a post shared by Rapid Response 47 on X, Trump said, "Despite the heat, which isn't as bad as predicted, the crowds in D.C. are INCREDIBLE! The love of our Country has never been stronger!"
Praising the celebrations, Trump added, "The Air Shows are at a level never seen before - What great pilots, what great equipment!!!"
He also announced that he would address the nation from the Lincoln Memorial later in the evening, saying, "See you all later! Speaking at around 10:00 P.M. at The Lincoln Memorial."
Referring to the Reflecting Pool, Trump said, "The Reflecting Pool looks great, despite all it went through with the Vandal Thugs. Will quickly drain and fix the damage done right after this big weekend."
Concluding his message, the US President wrote, "Happy Independence Day. Our Country is Stronger than EVER!!!"
On July 4, America is celebrating 250 years of independence.
The White House on its official website noted that under President Trump, the United States is executing a full year of festivities, which began on Memorial Day, 2025, and will continue through the end of 2026.
The White House is engaging all levels of government, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across the country to celebrate this historic milestone.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from the US living in India, this is wild! The Secret Service closing checkpoints mid-event is unprecedented. Trump's tone about the "Vandal Thugs" damaging the Reflecting Pool sounds more like a political dig than a celebration. At least they have shelter plans - unlike some events here where authorities just cross their fingers and hope for the best. Stay safe, DC!
250 years of independence - that's impressive! We just celebrated 78 years of our independence last year. But all that security... US Secret Service seems quite reactive. In India, we plan for every contingency during major events. Still, wish the storm hadn't dampened the spirit. Trump's Air Show boast - our IAF does a mean flypast too! 🇮🇳
I'm an American ex-pat in Mumbai and this makes me both proud and worried. The Secret Service is doing the right thing for safety - storms in DC can produce tornadoes! But Trump's focus on the "Vandal Thugs" during a national celebration feels tone-deaf. At least the museums are open as shelters - that's smart reuse of public spaces. Happy 250th, America! 🎉
The contrast is striking - on one side you have storms and evacuations, on the other Trump is praising "incredible crowds." It's like our prime minister celebrating Diwali while floods are happening somewhere in the country. Prioritizing the event over people's safety seems risky. Hope everyone in DC found shelter and the fireworks were cancelled for safety's sake. Common sense should prevail.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.