East Palestine residents protest Biden's visit, say he's not welcome: 'Too little, too late'

On Friday, President Biden failed to receive a warm welcome when he went to visit East Palestine, Ohio to address the toxic train derailment for the first time since the tragedy occurred more than one year ago.

Residents of East Palestine, who were out protesting in the streets, made it clear that Biden's visit was "a little too late."

Chants of "Let's go, Brandon!," boomed down the packed sidewalks that were lined with pro-Trump and American flags.

"This is Trump country here," said a resident named Mike, speaking to reporter Ben Bergquam of Real Americas Voice.

"This is nothing but a political stunt," Mike said of Biden's visit.

"Our slogan is "too little, too late, Mr. Biden,'" he said. "You don't see any support in this town for Mr. Biden."

Biden has been heavily criticized over the past year for not visiting East Palestine, while former President Donald J. Trump immediately visited the site of the tragedy that occurred on Feb. 3, 2023. Trump's efforts garnered him an endorsement from Trent R. Conaway, the Mayor of East Palestine.

A Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, releasing toxic chemicals into the surrounding area which created a detrimental crisis for residents in the area. In an effort to remove the dangerous items, cleanup workers ultimately set five rail carriages on fire. This resulted in a hazardous cloud of thick smoke engulfing the air.

Since the tragedy, residents have taken aim at President Biden over his failure to visit the city. When the Biden administration announced the president's upcoming visit last month, locals immediately made it clear that Biden was not welcomed, calling it a political stunt during an election year.
 

"The American people have awakened to realize that the leader of our country did not show up to the greatest catastrophe of 2023. And now he’s going to show up because it is an election year," said Yokley.

"President Trump came and supported us when he didn’t have to … Now it’s, ‘Hey we have to go visit East Palestine because we haven’t done that yet — and check it off the books,'" he added.

Other signs held up by residents on Friday along the route of the president's motorcade included "Impeach Joe" and "We need Trump."

Another resident questioned, "If he’s not coming here to take action, then why come?"