Evacuated Trump supporters shelter from thunderstorm in African American museum
While some quipped that it was the only way to get MAGA into the museum, others feared Trump’s supporters might vandalize artifacts.
Government and Cultural Heritage
Thousands of supporters of Donald Trump who gathered Saturday on the National Mall to watch the president speak at an America 250 event were evacuated because of severe thunderstorms, with many sheltering in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority,” Danielle Alvarez, spokesperson for Freedom 250, the organization putting on the event, said in a statement.
“Due to approaching severe storms, Freedom 250, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are asking all guests to evacuate event grounds and seek temporary shelter in a nearby building.”
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Among the shelter locations were the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, the Internal Revenue Service, the Voice of America Building, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Ronald Reagan Building.
The list also included the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the African American Museum—the latter of which particularly prompted ironic posts and memes from critics of the president.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion saves lives,” writer Charlotte Clymer posted on social media.
While some quipped that it was the only way to get MAGA followers into the museum, others expressed fears that Trump’s supporters may vandalize the museum's artifacts.
After the storm appeared to have passed, Freedom 250 said that the National Mall had been ordered to reopen at 9:45 p.m. at Trump's direction.
“The Salute to America celebration will move forward, the President will deliver remarks at 11:00 PM, and the fireworks spectacular will follow,” the organization said.
“Rain or shine, the American people deserve a celebration worthy of our nation's historic 250th birthday.”
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