Some spectators exited Saturday’s U.S. Army’s 250th-anniversary parade early, cutting short their attendance at the milestone celebration in Washington D.C., according to reports.
Why It Matters
The parade represented the largest show of military might in the capital since at least 1991, according to CNN.
Rallies against President Donald Trump‘s leadership took place across the country on Saturday, coinciding with the parade, which also fell on the president’s 79th birthday. “I view it for Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday,” he said.
Large-scale gatherings were reported in major cities such as Philadelphia; Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and New York.
What To Know
NBC Washington reported that “a large number of people” made an early exit, with its journalists capturing on video a “logjam” as spectators attempted to leave the secured area. The outlet said that the event’s heavy security restricted the Mall’s secure zone to two exits.
The New York Times’ White House correspondent Shawn McCreesh reported that “hordes of people” streamed east across the mall to leave, a report which Raw Story said was posted before Trump and Vice President JD Vance had begun to deliver remarks.
“Where’s everybody going?” a man next to McCreesh said, according to the reporter.
John Ismay, also with the Times, described the crowd and parade as “pretty listless and low-energy,” adding that Trump apparel was far more prevalent than Army hats and shirts among attendees.
But Steven Cheung, White House director of communications said that some 250,000 people attended.
The event went ahead in spite of grim weather forecasts for the day, with meteorologists warning there was a chance the D.C. area could see showers and thunderstorms.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social on Saturday: “What a GREAT Parade. THANK YOU, ARMY!”
Trump had posted earlier: “OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE. REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK. I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C.”
White House director of communications Steven Cheung said on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “Amazing. Despite the threat of rain, over 250,000 patriots showed up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. God Bless the USA!”
The U.S. Army posted on X, Saturday: “Thank you for today America. The mission continues to serve you for the next 250 years.”
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman on X: “This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us. Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service.”
What Happens Next
Newsweek contacted the White House for comment via email, outside of standard working hours on Sunday.
The post Did Military Parade Crowd Leave En Masse? What We Know appeared first on Newsweek.
