There’s an open courtyard in a building on Madison Place, the side road just to the left of Lafayette Square (when facing the White House). In fact, there is — or used to be — there a replica of the fabulous “Grief” statue by Saint Gaudens.
This is a rare event, but one would hope that security on the grounds would advise people not to hide from lightening under a tree henceforth.
Btw, I’ve seen lightning hit the Wash Monument. Very cool.
I’ll bet that was. Ever walked up it? I did when I was much younger, and it still tired me out. 🙂