Lightning Strikes US Landmarks on New Year’s Eve

On the last day of 2024, lightning struck the US Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, and several notable landmarks in New York. Read Full Article at RT.com.

Lightning Strikes US Landmarks on New Year’s Eve
On December 31, 2024, lightning bolts struck the US Capitol Building and Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., as well as the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center in New York City, as captured in multiple videos shared online.

The strikes occurred during heavy rainfall along the East Coast and coincided with New Year celebrations, leading to a surge of speculation on social media. Some individuals suggested this could be a symbolic sign.

This event unfolds as US President Joe Biden prepares to conclude his term, with Donald Trump poised to take office again on January 20.

Utah Senator Mike Lee tweeted a video of the lightning hitting the Capitol, stating, “Feels like an omen. What’s it telling us?”

Pamela Hensley, a conservative commentator with over 186,000 followers on X, shared a similar view, posting, “This is a good indication that the Lord Almighty wants the Biden Administration to leave.”

Republican politician Tricia Flanagan from New Jersey remarked, “The Capitol is struck by lightning, Washington Monument right after & thunder roars… all as 2025 is ushered in. It’s going to be Biblical.”

Another user, Sovereign Brah, expressed their curiosity, saying it “Feels like an omen. I wonder what God is telling us.”

Lightning often targets tall structures, with the Empire State Building's antenna being struck by lightning around 25 times annually, as noted on its website.As the strikes drew attention, many social media users took the opportunity to reflect on their meanings, blending current events with a sense of impending change. The convergence of the lightning strikes on significant national landmarks heightened the visibility of these discussions, particularly as the country stood at a political crossroads.

In the midst of the year-end festivities, the dramatic weather phenomenon quickly dominated newsfeeds and public discourse. Memes and theories circulated rapidly, indicating the public's hunger for symbolism in a time marked by both celebration and uncertainty. Some users interpreted the lightning as a sign of divine intervention amidst the political turmoil facing the nation.

Prominent figures and commentators continued to actively engage with the topic. Many expressed their views through various platforms, illustrating how societal events can shape collective feelings and beliefs. Analysts noted that instances of natural phenomena often become intertwined with political narratives, reflecting the deep-rooted connections between nature, belief, and civic identity in America.

While the lightning bolts served to capture public imagination, meteorologists pointed out that such weather occurrences are not unusual, particularly for tall buildings and monuments, which are more susceptible to lightning strikes. They emphasized the scientific aspects of lightning and the role weather plays in urban settings, contrasting with the symbolic interpretations popular on social media.

As the nation welcomed the new year, the images of the lightning strikes served as a striking backdrop to the significant political changes on the horizon. With Trump’s impending return to the White House and the anticipation surrounding the Biden administration’s exit, the discussions inspired by the lightning will likely continue well into 2025, as individuals seek to dissect the interplay between natural events and human affairs.

Whether viewed as an omen, a discussion point, or simply a natural occurrence, the lightning strikes have undeniably added another layer of intrigue to the historic transition period facing the United States.

Rohan Mehta for TROIB News