DC’s National Mall evacuated as storms move in before Trump’s speech — but hundreds refuse to leave

The National Mall was evacuated Saturday just hours before a massive Fourth of July fireworks display and a 250 Anniversary speech by President Trump due to an approaching thunderstorm — but several hundred people refused to leave.

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Police began walking through the area, blaring whistles, and telling people to “move, move, move!”

“We are temporarily pausing the event. For your safety please proceed to the nearest exit immediately. Take shelter in your vehicle or a nearby permanent building,” an announcer told attendees. 

But many of the guests, who had waited hours in the intense heat to get through the security line, rushed to the stage where President Trump is set to speak later and lingered. 

As people stayed in their seats, authorities broadcast messages on large screens telling people of the “immediate evacuation” and urging them to listen to the Secret Service.

The crowd booed in response with others yelling “USA, USA, USA.” Lightning filled the darkening sky and the wind picked up as staff urged people to head to the nearest exit.

Some continued to refuse to leave but hundreds of others rushed to nearby federal buildings to wait out the weather.

Meanwhile, President Trump vowed the show will go on.

“We will wait it out,” he wrote on Truth Social. “I don’t care if it’s 2:00 O’Clock in the morning, or in one hour from now. Looks like it is going to pass, they always do. I will be there no matter what, but the “what” usually turns out to be a good thing.”

“It’s Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight. They say 11:00 O’Clock for the speech. Who cares???,” he added,

A White House official said the gates to the National Mall event will reopen at 9:45 p.m. and President Trump’s speech is set for 11 p.m. The fireworks show will begin after his remarks.

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The president vowed earlier this week to give a long address in honor of the country’s 250th birthday.

“Just to show that I can do anything,” Trump said on Wednesday. “It’s gonna be 107.”

The flyovers were eventually cancelled. The State Fair area was closed out as was the World Cup viewing area.

“The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority,” said Freedom 250 Spokesperson Danielle Alvarez. 

“Freedom 250 will share updates on programming and doors reopening — please stay close to our official channels for updates.” 

Secret Service officials had dismantled the security check points for safety reasons but are reopening them for crowd screenings.

“The Secret Service screening area will reopen shortly. Everyone who evacuated the site will go through screening again. The Secret Service is working to make screening as smooth as possible. Our bag restriction and prohibited items list remains the same,” the agency said.

There were several federal office buildings and Smithsonian Museum buildings near the National Mall where guests are being told they can wait out the storm.

The Department of Commerce, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service, VOA Building, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the African American Museum, and the Ronald Reagan Building were listed as available for shelter. 

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The capitol is under a severe thunderstorm warning until 10 pm ET.