Traffic disruptions are affecting commuters in the Washington, D.C. area due to ongoing road closures. Southbound traffic is being diverted onto the Potomac Freeway, while access to the northbound direction from the Roosevelt Bridge and Ohio Drive is restricted. Delays are reported as a result, particularly around the Roosevelt Bridge. The closures are expected to be lifted early tomorrow morning. Additionally, a motorcycle accident on 16th Street at T Street Northwest has led to limited lane access, and police are directing traffic on southbound Pennsylvania Avenue near Westphalia Road due to another crash.
In related news, cleanup efforts are underway following protests at Union Station, where demonstrators clashed with police in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress. The protests resulted in at least 15 arrests, including two for assaulting police officers. Monuments in the area were defaced with slogans advocating for Palestine, prompting the National Park Service to begin the removal of graffiti, a process expected to take several days.
In a significant political development, President Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, emphasizing the need for new leadership. He praised Vice President Kamala Harris as a capable successor. This announcement coincides with Netanyahu's visit to the White House, where discussions are anticipated regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Democratic National Convention rules committee has approved a virtual nomination process for Harris, who is also vetting potential running mates, including several governors and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Vice President Harris has launched her first campaign ad, focusing on themes of freedom and her commitment to addressing gun violence and reproductive rights, while subtly referencing former President Donald Trump.