Former President Donald Trump’s rally in Wilmington was stopped shortly before 7 p.m. because of the threat of severe weather.

Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, was scheduled to give remarks at Aero Center on the Wilmington International Airport property at 7 p.m. But severe thunderstorms, including reports of hail, swept through the area, and Trump announced over loudspeakers that the event would be postponed. He encouraged the hundreds in attendance to leave the rally space and seek shelter immediately.

“There seems to be some thunder and lightning, and it’s a pretty big storm,” Trump said to rallygoers who had assembled hours earlier for the event. “So if you don’t mind, I think we’re going to have to do a rain check."

Trump last came to the Port City in September 2022, hosting another rally at the Aero Center. Months later, he announced he would run in the 2024 presidential election. The race remains tight between Trump and incumbent challenger Joe Biden, according to recent polls.

Saturday's rally also would have been Trump's first since a hush money trial kicked off earlier this week in New York. During his announcement, Trump indicated he would reschedule the Wilmington rally "very quickly."

“I’m so sorry," he said, "but we’ll do it again, and we’ll do it bigger and better."