July 04, 2026 8:35 PM ET 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.WATCH: “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 safet