On July 4, 2025, Washington, D.C., will host events in honor of U.S. Independence Day. The university is monitoring activities associated with the events and remains in close coordination with local and federal partners. Traffic, road closures, and crowds are expected to impact downtown DC and the surrounding areas. There is no information that suggests a specific threat to GW or other area campuses and institutions.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and United States Park Police report that there will be numerous impacts to vehicular traffic on July 4, 2025. For timely traffic information, please visit MPD on X (Twitter). Similarly, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reports there will be impacts to Metro train and bus service near the event locations. For timely Metro information, visit WMATA on X (Twitter).
National Independence Day Parade
This event will start at 11:45 a.m. at 7th St and Constitution Ave. NW and end at 2:00 p.m. at 17th St NW. The parade will result in significant road closures and increased pedestrian traffic in the surrounding area.
A Capital Fourth Concert
This event will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Public access opens at 3:00 p.m. for the 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. televised concert.
Fireworks on the National Mall
From 9:09 p.m. to 9:27 p.m., fireworks will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
A full schedule of events can be found on the United States Park Police event website.
Safety Tips
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious or threatening behavior immediately to GWPD at 202-994-6111 or MPD through 911.
- Do not engage with individuals seeking a confrontation.
- If there is a disturbance, seek shelter indoors until normal conditions return.
- Follow directions from law enforcement personnel.
- Make sure doors close and lock behind you as you arrive and depart.
- Do not allow strangers into GW buildings.
- Carry identification and be prepared to show your GWorld at all times.
Additional Information
GW’s Office of Emergency Management is collaborating with local and regional public safety organizations to monitor activity in the district and will send email and/or text alerts to the entire GW community if necessary. The latest safety and security information will be posted here on Campus Advisories.
For additional safety and security resources, visit the Safety website or download the GW Guardian app. Additional emergency management information from the District of Columbia is also available online.
All GW community members are automatically signed up to receive GW emergency email alerts. You can manage your GW Alert account to also receive GW text alerts on your mobile device. In addition to adding your mobile number, you can add up to three email addresses and phone numbers so that friends or family may also receive GW emergency alerts. Visit GW Alert FAQ for instructions on how to manage your account. In addition, for those who use mobile apps, the GW Guardian App will push GW emergency alerts directly to the app, as well as other safety functions.