Organizers say a severed fuel line caused a spill beneath the National Mall, while multiple performers have backed out citing safety concerns.
A generator fuel line set up for a May 17 event on the National Mall for a Freedom 250 event was severed, causing more than 30 gallons of fuel to run into the underground cisterns that hold rainwater. Freedom 250 spokeswoman Rachel Reisner said in a comment to NBC that the incident was the result of vandals. A cleanup effort is underway.
“Following the Freedom 250 team’s installation of temporary lighting on the National Mall, our equipment has been repeatedly targeted by vandals. The recent fuel leak was the direct result of that tampering,” she said. “Upon discovering damage to a generator fuel line, Freedom 250 and our vendors mobilized within minutes, coordinated an immediate cleanup response, and fully remediated the site in close partnership with the National Park Service,” Reisner continued.
“We take our responsibility as stewards of the National Mall seriously and are working closely with the appropriate law enforcement authorities regarding these acts of vandalism," she added. A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior added that the behavior would not be tolerated and that DC had never been so “safe and beautiful” thanks to President Trump. The May 17 event was titled "Rededicate 250," and drew thousands of people to the National Mall for prayer, music, and speeches.
This is not the first time President Trump's Freedom 250 event has been targeted by bad actors. American singer Brett Michaels was originally slated to perform at the Great American State Fair, but he pulled out due to safety concerns. Michaels joins a list of artists who have backed out of the 16-day festival taking place on the National Mall, including Young MC and Martina McBride.
Michaels wrote on Instagram, alluding to the threats made against him: "Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family, and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable. Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.”
President Trump established "Task Force 250" by executive order, which created Freedom 250 to help lead the nation in celebrating its semiquincentennial. The celebrations cover all 50 states across the United States, with the flagship event being held on July 4 in Washington, D.C.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
