WASHINGTON — Despite authorities instructing attendees of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence to evacuate the National Mall due to severe weather, many refused to leave.

The celebration’s organizer, Freedom 250, in a Saturday evening statement urged attendees to seek shelter due to deteriorating conditions as authorities closed down food tents. Multiple Daily Caller and Daily Caller News Foundation reporters confirmed crowds of attendees initially refused to leave, with one providing video of people shouting “USA!” and booing the announcement.

“Due to approaching severe storms, Freedom 250, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are asking all guests to evacuate event grounds and seek temporary shelter in a nearby building,” the Freedom 250 statement reads.

“Available shelter locations include the Department of Commerce, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service, VOA Building, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the African American Museum, and the Ronald Reagan Building,” it continues. “Please remain calm, follow the directions of law enforcement and event staff, and stay tuned to Freedom 250’s official channels for updates.”

Thousands of people angry at being told to evacuate America 250 on the mall. At one point the crowd thought Secret Service was letting people back in and rushed to the bleachers. pic.twitter.com/36vcIsO7v4

— Thomas G Phippen (@ThomasPhippen) July 5, 2026

WATCH: Great American State Fair being EVACUATED due to weather.

Daily Caller News Foundation pic.twitter.com/v6Vcfim3Q7

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 4, 2026

A Daily Caller reporter observed at least one person passing out “from heat exhaustion” and confirmed that authorities had closed down the food tents due to the weather.

President Donald Trump was scheduled to give a speech in honor of the nation’s birthday around 10 p.m. EDT. He later posted an update to Truth Social announcing the night’s events would still take place, albeit delayed.

“I will be there no matter what, but the ‘what’ usually turns out to be a good thing. It’s Saturday night, LET’S HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight. They say 11:00 O’Clock for the speech. Who cares???” Trump posted Saturday night. “Remember two weeks ago when the big UFC Event was at 100% chance of heavy rain, all week long, and just minutes before the card started. Well, there wasn’t a single drop, and the fights turned out to be among the greatest in history, an event for the ages. Our great veterans, especially the old timers, many of whom are there, went through hellfire, and it didn’t stop them. It’s not going to stop us either! I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th. I’m leaving the White House soon. God Bless America!”

“At President Donald J. Trump’s direction, gates to the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 PM. The Salute to America celebration will move forward, the President will deliver remarks at 11:00 PM, and the fireworks spectacular will follow,” Freedom 250 likewise posted on X. “Rain or shine, the American people deserve a celebration worthy of our nation’s historic 250th birthday.”

Editor’s note: Thomas Phippen and Derek VanBuskirk contributed to this breaking news report, which was updated to reflect the revised status of the Freedom 250 events.

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