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A look back at President Biden’s trip to East Liverpool

By Chris Pugh
President Biden arrives at Pittsburgh International Airport. He’s expected to arrive in East Palestine this afternoon
President Biden arrives at Pittsburgh International Airport. He’s expected to arrive in East Palestine this afternoon Kelcey Norris/Mahoning Matters

President Biden visited East Palestine Friday for the first time since last February’s train derailment.

Mahoning Matters reporter Kelcey Norris was among the press pool reporters during the visit.

Here were highlights from the day.

Biden speaks to East Palestine community

President Biden is speaking to community members at the site of the East Palestine train derailment with U.S. EPA chief Michael Regan and East Palestine mayor Trent Conaway.

“This was not an act of God,” Biden said. “It was an act of greed by Norfolk Southern.”

“Our community (East Palestine) will not be defined by this,” Conaway said.

After the speech, Biden’s motorcade stopped by the 1820 Candle Company, where he had coffee with the owners.

President Biden speaks to East Palestine residents on Friday.
President Biden speaks to East Palestine residents on Friday. Kelcey Norris/Mahoning Matters

Biden visits the site of the train derailment with East Palestine officials

President Biden walks the East Palestine train derailment site with town officials.
President Biden walks the East Palestine train derailment site with town officials. Kelcey Norris/Mahoning Matters
President Biden walks the East Palestine train derailment site with town officials.
President Biden walks the East Palestine train derailment site with town officials. Kelcey Norris/Mahoning Matters

Protesters wave signs by Biden motorcade

Protesters could be seen from Biden’s motorcade as it neared East Palestine.

Protesters share their view as President Biden’s motorcade drove by.on the way to East Palestine.
Protesters share their view as President Biden’s motorcade drove by.on the way to East Palestine. Kelcey Norris/Mahoning Matters

Biden visits firefighters in Darlington Township

President Biden is currently in Darlington Township, Pa., three mlies to the east of East Palestine, thanking firefighters at the Darlington Township for their work.

“You are the heart and soul of the community,” Biden said.

President Biden thanks firefighters at the Darlington Township Fire Department.
President Biden thanks firefighters at the Darlington Township Fire Department. Kelcey Norris/Mahoning Matters

President Biden lands in Pittsburgh

President Biden has landed at Pittsburgh International Airport and will shortly leave for his East Palestine visit.

He is expected to be in town around 4:20 p.m.

Columbiana County Republicans to hold rally in East Palestine at 3 p.m.

The Columbiana County Republican Party will hold a Trump/MAGA rally at 3 p.m. at the former PNC Bank at 74 North Market Street, right across the street from the East Palestine Municipal Building.

U S Senate candidate Bernie Moreno is scheduled to be there along with State Senator Michael Rulli, who is running for the 6th District U S House of Representatives.

State Rep. Nick Santucci: Biden is a year late

State Rep. Nick Santucci was one of many Republicans expected to express displeasure over Biden’s visit to East Palestine.

Joe Biden is a year late in visiting East Palestine after the disaster that impacted so many of our fellow Ohioans,” Santucci wrote on X Friday morning. “Showing up because he needs votes demonstrates a complete lack of the leadership skills we need in a president.”

This story was originally published February 16, 2024 at 7:50 AM.