Thousands of people stood in security lines for hours in severe heat to reach the National Mall. They were then ordered to leave as events were set to start. Some refused.
Severe storms prompted the evacuation just ahead of a scheduled speech by former President Donald Trump. The National Mall cleared rapidly as authorities warned of dangerous weather.
The heat index had already climbed above 100 degrees Fahrenheit earlier in the day. Many attendees endured long waits without shade or adequate water.
Emergency management officials declared the area unsafe due to lightning and high winds. Police and security personnel urged the crowd to move to shelter immediately.
A number of attendees resisted leaving, having waited for hours to enter the secured perimeter. Some argued the storms did not appear imminent.
The National Park Service and U.S. Secret Service coordinated the evacuation. No injuries were reported during the quick clearing of the area.
The speech was postponed as storm cells moved through the region. Organizers planned to update attendees on a potential rescheduled time.
