As President Donald Trump praised the Brooklyn Bridge from the National Mall, calling it “one of the greatest architectural feats of all time,” firefighters in New York City were dealing with a very different scene: flames on the landmark itself late Saturday night.
The striking split-screen moment unfolded during two major America 250 fireworks celebrations, one in New York City and the other in the nation’s capital, as festivities stretched from Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
In New York, a fire broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge during the city’s July Fourth fireworks show. Spectators could see flames on the bridge and a column of smoke rising before firefighters brought the blaze under control. Officials said no injuries were reported.
The New York City Fire Department said two fire engines responded to extinguish the fire. The bridge had already been closed to traffic for the fireworks display, which was moved earlier in the evening because of the threat of severe weather that disrupted other East Coast celebrations.
Weather also complicated events in Washington, D.C., where a storm forced officials to evacuate the crowd gathered on the National Mall.
In a coincidence that stood out amid the night’s disruptions, Trump was speaking about the Brooklyn Bridge at the same time the New York landmark was drawing emergency crews.
“We also have the first flag ever to fly over one of the greatest architectural feats of all time, a thing called the Brooklyn Bridge: One of the most beautiful bridges anywhere in the world – built a long time ago,” Trump said during his 37-minute Salute to America 250 speech, which was also delayed by summer thunderstorms.
Trump’s reference came as part of a broader portion of the address focused on historic American flags and the descendants of several iconic figures in U.S. history.
“American grit, boldness and daring forged heroes like Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp, Annie Oakley, Teddy Roosevelt, and the legend of the Wild West, Buffalo Bill Cody: These were great, powerful people whose incredible grandchildren happened to be with us tonight,” Trump said, as one presented a flag that first waved over the Brooklyn Bridge.
“And they stand alongside one of the first American flags ever to fly over our expanding nation. It was carried west just as Lewis and Clark began their journey in 1803.
“Thank you very much. Great to have you. Great to have you to honor this audacious and indomitable soul of America.”
