Man from East Palestine says residents wanted truckers to block Biden from entering town

One man in East Palestine, Ohio, said other residents asked him to block the road with trucks to prevent President Joe Biden from coming to their town after avoiding it for the last year.

In an interview with ABC 5, landlord and trucking company owner Garry Allison said, "I've had several people call me, and ask me if I can block the entrance of the town so he can't come."

"It's been over a year, and now he wants to come when it's election time," he added.

On Friday, Biden visited the small Ohio town that was the site of a toxic train derailment on February 3, 2023. This was the first time the president had taken the time to visit the site of the disaster.

Biden's speech lasted 6 minutes, and he did not take any questions afterward. He claimed that his administration "was on the ground within hours working closely with the governor, the mayor, the Senators, House members, community leaders, to make sure you have everything you need."

"I want to continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable, and make sure they make your community whole now and in the future, and what they do not make whole, what they cannot make whole ... the government will make whole," he added. "Let me be clear, there are acts of God, this was an act of greed."

Residents of East Palestine were not happy about the president's visit. Protestors said it was "too little, too late" as they lined the streets with American and pro-Trump flags and chants of "Let's go, Brandon" rang out.

"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."

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