National Mall grabs headlines as Secret Service incidents and political rallies unfold nearby; a historic park home to museums and memorials.
Labor unions, community groups and democratic organisations have been organising a nationwide May Day "economic blackout" for 1 May, calling for "no school, no work, no shopping". Organisers say events have more than doubled from last year and that city-wide actions are being planned in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere to press immigration, voting and workers' rights.
Secret Service agents have shot a suspect near the Washington Monument on Monday afternoon after approaching a person who appeared to be carrying a firearm; the suspect fired at agents, who returned fire and wounded him. A juvenile bystander has been grazed and treated; the suspect has been hospitalized and no agents were injured.
Secret Service agents have shot a 45-year-old man, identified as Michael Marx of Texas, after he has opened fire near the Washington Monument on Monday afternoon. A 15-year-old bystander has been grazed and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect has been hospitalized and is facing federal charges.
A White House-backed nine-hour prayer event, "Rededicate 250," has been held on the National Mall to mark the US semiquincentennial. Senior administration officials and Republican leaders have appeared onstage or in video messages; the program has featured almost exclusively evangelical and conservative Christian speakers, with a single Jewish speaker. Critics have said the event is blurring church and state.
Performers including Bret Michaels, the Commodores and Martina McBride have withdrawn from Freedom 250’s planned I Love the 90s shows, citing misleading themes and potential political conflict. Flo Rida remains on the bill as of Friday, with organizers silent on further comment.