More than 800,000 fireworks mark America 250 celebrations in DC

Updated: 12:16 AM CDT Jul 5, 2026

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A thunderstorm disrupted America’s 250th celebration in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The weather forced organizers to evacuate parts of the National Mall, but attendees were later allowed back into the event.The Secret Service urged the crowd to seek shelter, but many people resisted evacuation orders, creating a hectic scene. Organizers directed attendees to nearby museums and government buildings, but confusion arose as some locations reached capacity within an hour.Jack Matthews, who traveled from South Carolina, expressed frustration over the evacuation. “We flew two hours out here and we want our show and they are shutting us down,” he said.Elias Matthews, also from South Carolina, shared his disappointment. “We were looking forward to seeing all the big fireworks,” he said.Leo Figueredo, visiting from Florida, compared the storm to weather back home. “I have freaking hurricanes in Miami. This is nothing,” he said.The Washington Monument was transformed into a canvas of light for 18 minutes after President Donald Trump wrapped up his nearly hour-long speech. The night ended with a major fireworks display over the National Mall.

WASHINGTON —

A thunderstorm disrupted America’s 250th celebration in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The weather forced organizers to evacuate parts of the National Mall, but attendees were later allowed back into the event.

The Secret Service urged the crowd to seek shelter, but many people resisted evacuation orders, creating a hectic scene. Organizers directed attendees to nearby museums and government buildings, but confusion arose as some locations reached capacity within an hour.

Jack Matthews, who traveled from South Carolina, expressed frustration over the evacuation. “We flew two hours out here and we want our show and they are shutting us down,” he said.

Elias Matthews, also from South Carolina, shared his disappointment. “We were looking forward to seeing all the big fireworks,” he said.

Leo Figueredo, visiting from Florida, compared the storm to weather back home. “I have freaking hurricanes in Miami. This is nothing,” he said.

The Washington Monument was transformed into a canvas of light for 18 minutes after President Donald Trump wrapped up his nearly hour-long speech. The night ended with a major fireworks display over the National Mall.