Posted on 07/24/24
| News Source: WBAL
Due to several First Amendment-related events and possible protests scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) advises MARC train riders to arrive at Union Station early.
According to the release, large crowds are possible, so passengers should allow extra time in the afternoon to reach Union Station and board their trains.
The MTA also recommends taking an earlier train home if possible.
MARC Train - Plan to arrive at Union Station early Wednesday afternoon -- There are several First Amendment-related events scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 24 in Washington, D.C. with the potential for large attendance.... https://t.co/vfDNlXGeu7
— MTA Maryland (@mtamaryland) July 23, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington this week is looming as a fraught one between the two allies, coming at a moment of extreme political flux in the United States and wariness among American leaders about Netanyahu’s history of interjecting himself into U.S. domestic politics.
Netanyahu planned his trip weeks before recent significant events in U.S. politics, including the July 13 assassination attempt on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s July 21 announcement that he will not seek reelection, instead endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency.
Protests are planned in response to Netanyahu’s scheduled speech to both houses of Congress on Wednesday. According to anseercoalition.com, protesters plan to surround the Capitol to demand an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The coalition’s website states:
“When war criminal Netanyahu comes to Washington DC on July 24, we will mobilize and issue a notice of a citizen’s arrest! The people of the world stand with Palestine and against the genocide committed by Israel with the full support of the United States and impunity. Join us in forming a People’s Red Line Against genocide around the Capitol building.”
The website also includes details about organized bus routes for protesters, including one departing from Baltimore.
According to the online bus sign-up, individuals can pay $30 for a ride from 901 N Caroline St (Hip Hop Fish and Chicken parking lot) to the protest and back to the same pickup spot at night.
Despite these recommendations, MARC trains are currently scheduled to depart at their regular times. The routes most likely to be affected by the large crowds include: