DC prepares for National Mall's largest fireworks display
Washington, D.C., is preparing for its largest fireworks display ever held on the National Mall Saturday night.
The fireworks are expected to begin between 10:30 and 11 p.m. and will launch from 10 sites around the National Monument, officials told ABC News. The show is expected to last approximately 35 minutes.
Officials said the secured viewing area on the Washington Monument grounds has a capacity of approximately 150,000 people and is expected to fill early.
The Secret Service is coordinating the broader security operation for the celebration, which has been designated as a National Special Security Event, bringing extensive coordinated federal, state and local security resources to D.C.

“While we are confident in our planning, we recognize that we are in a heightened threat environment,” Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office Tara McLeese said.
“This weekend, hundreds of federal agents and officers, including Secret Service specialized tactical units, counter drone teams, National Guard members, and a variety of additional unseen resources will be used to disrupt any bad actor,” McLeese said.

-ABC News’ Beatrice Peterson




