Former President Donald Trump's planned July 4 speech in Washington DC was abruptly cut short on Saturday when a severe thunderstorm swept through the area, prompting an evacuation of the event.
Sudden Storm Forces Evacuation
The rally, held at the Washington Monument grounds, drew thousands of supporters. Around 8:15 p.m., as dark clouds gathered, event organizers announced an evacuation due to lightning and heavy rain. Attendees were directed to nearby metro stations and buildings for shelter.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm produced winds of up to 60 mph and frequent lightning. No injuries were reported, but the event was canceled for the evening.
Trump's Response
Trump, who was not on stage at the time of the evacuation, later tweeted a brief message: "Sad! The deep state even controls the weather. Be safe everyone!"
The former president had been scheduled to deliver a speech focusing on "America's greatness" and criticizing the Biden administration's policies.
Impact on Supporters
Many attendees expressed disappointment. John Miller, a 45-year-old from Virginia, said, "We drove three hours for this. I understand safety first, but it's frustrating." Others praised the swift response of security personnel.
The event's cancellation marks the second time in recent months that a Trump rally was disrupted by weather. In June, a rally in Texas was postponed due to extreme heat.
