The Salute to America Celebration on the National Mall has come under evacuation and shelter-in-place orders due to extreme weather and lightning in the area.
The thousands already in attendance are being told to seek shelter.
The Secret Service announced that “dangerous storms” caused security screening on the National Mall to be closed, urging people to find shelter immediately.
🚨 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. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/dUXCvaYbKe
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) July 4, 2026
“The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority. Due to approaching severe storms, Freedom 250, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are asking all guests to evacuate event grounds and seek temporary shelter in a nearby building,” Freedom 250 Spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said in a statement.
“Available shelter locations include 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. Please remain calm, follow the directions of law enforcement and event staff, and stay tuned to Freedom 250’s official channels for updates.”
Alvarez added, “Freedom 250 will share updates on programming and doors reopening — please stay close to our official channels for updates.”
During the evacuation, attendees were seen singing America’s National Anthem and remaining in the area.
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Trump Administration official Monica Crowley confirmed at approximately 8 pm that evacuations are underway, and the events are “merely delayed, not canceled.”
“We are watching the weather very, very closely… so we will make a determination as things go,” Crowley said.
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President Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks at 9:30 pm ET, but his address could be delayed due to the weather.
The event on the National Mall features Aircraft flyovers and demonstrations throughout the day, live programming and music, Trump’s speech, and the “World’s Largest Fireworks Display” following Trump’s remarks.
Earlier, an F-35 Lightning jet showcased its incredible ability to hover in place over the crowds.
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The airshow also featured a B-1 Lancer bomber, B-2 Spirit bomber, and B-52 Stratofortress bomber flying in formation.
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This is a developing story.
