Heat and storms force evacuation at Washington July 4 celebration, 11 hospitalized

Extreme heat and approaching severe storms forced organizers of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall to evacuate attendees early on Saturday. D.C. Fire and EMS reported 44 medical contacts before the fair closed on Friday, including 11 people transported to hospitals for heat-related illnesses and injuries. The National Museum of African American History and Culture reached capacity while sheltering guests.

Freedom 250, the event organizer, said gates would reopen at 9:45 p.m. after attendees were directed to seek shelter in nearby buildings. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he would still deliver remarks at 11 p.m., followed by fireworks, and pledged to “wait it out” despite the weather.

A senior White House official told NBC News the president’s planned speech would be a “historical speech” marking the semiquincentennial, though the remarks had not yet been reviewed. In a joint statement, Freedom 250, the National Park Service, U.S. Park Police, the Secret Service and FEMA said guest safety remained the top priority and that they had expanded cooling resources, water stations and medical support.

The event, designated a National Special Security Event, involved more than 4,800 National Guard members and extensive security screening. Restrictions on coolers, metal containers and aerosol products were enforced, and organizers urged visitors to stay hydrated and seek shade. Local reports noted that bottled water pallets were left in the sun and that some seating areas offered limited shade.

The heat also led to the cancellation of Washington’s Fourth of July parade and contributed to broader heat alerts affecting roughly 150 million people nationwide. The 16-day fair, part of the administration-backed semiquincentennial celebrations, has faced performer withdrawals, low attendance reports and power outages since its launch.