The immense esplanade of the National Mall in Washington, where the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States were to be held, was evacuated on Saturday due to the threat of a violent storm, noted AFP.
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Hours before President Donald Trump’s planned speech, strong gusts swept through the site and lightning streaked the sky, prompting authorities to order those present to immediately take shelter.
“For your safety, we are asking all guests to evacuate immediately,” event officials announced, as most of the crowd began heading toward the exits to shelter in nearby museums and government buildings.
The eastern half of the United States, including Washington, has been hit since the middle of the week by an intense heat wave which was expected to cause violent storms Friday and Saturday according to weather services.
Thinking the plaza had reopened quickly, some people rushed toward the security checkpoints shouting “Charge!” and “Trump!” Trump! »
Elsewhere, authorities were trying to convince people to leave.
“When you have lightning within three miles (5 km), evacuation is mandatory,” a police officer explained to a hesitant family.
A group of about 100 people near the stage refused to leave, chanting “USA!” USA! USA! »
Police officers quickly rushed towards the recalcitrants and forced them to leave the area.
