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.
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“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.”
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 is scheduled to give a speech in honor of the nation’s birthday around 10 p.m. EDT.
Editor’s note: Thomas Phippen and Derek VanBuskirk contributed to this breaking news report, which will be updated as addition details become available.
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