WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he will proceed with his July Fourth speech in Washington, D.C., after severe weather forced organizers to temporarily evacuate the National Mall.
“I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th,” Trump said in a post on social media.
Freedom 250, the event organizer, said Trump will deliver his speech at 11 p.m., followed by a fireworks display. The group said gates for the Salute to America event will reopen at 9:45 p.m.
Earlier Saturday, organizers ordered the evacuation of the National Mall after severe storms approached the area.
Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez urged attendees to seek shelter in nearby museums and federal buildings while organizers assessed conditions.
Washington’s Metro system also opened several underground stations for shelter.
The U.S. Secret Service temporarily closed security checkpoints, meaning attendees would need to undergo screening again before reentering the event.
Military flyovers scheduled for the celebration were canceled because of the weather.
The severe weather also disrupted Independence Day celebrations in other parts of the country.
Officials canceled events in Hartford, Connecticut, and in Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Organizers in Boston temporarily paused a concert and fireworks display before resuming the program later in the evening. New York City and Pittsburgh proceeded with fireworks after adjusting event schedules.
The National Mall event is part of the nation’s yearlong commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
