JD Vance’s neighbors in Alexandria, Virginia, are outraged after the Secret Service closed and barricaded the Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park, a beloved community space near his home. The closure announced ahead of heightened security measures for Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate, has sparked a backlash from local residents who see it as an unnecessary disruption to their daily lives.
The city of Alexandria issued a notice stating, “Beginning Sunday, August 25, and in response to a request from the United States Secret Service (USSS), the Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park, located at 1 & 7 E. Del Ray Ave., will be temporarily closed until further notice.” Additionally, the adjacent block has been restricted to residents only, creating frustration among neighbors who believe the park should remain open to the community.
Many took to social media and local news site ALXnow to express their anger. “I am all for protecting people, but if that park is such a danger, he should probably move,” wrote Thomas Blackwood, a commenter on ALXnow. “The park belongs to the city and the people of Alexandria, not his protection staff. And to be perfectly honest, a true Republican would not want the government infringing on other people’s rights.”
Another resident shared similar frustrations, saying, “The park belongs to the residents of Alexandria. They should be able to freely use the city resources, regardless of who lives adjacent to the park. Let the Secret Service figure it out.”
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Though most residents criticized the closure, a few defended Vance’s presence in the neighborhood. “Oh for goodness sakes. Enough. The man is running for VP of the United States. No matter your political affiliation, you should be proud your neighbor is willing to run for office,” one commenter added.
However, Michael Brown, a local business leader and former executive director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, pointed out an ironic twist. In a post on X, he remarked, “Judy Lowe was a friend and a Democratic activist. Weirdly, Vance moved to the heart of this socially progressive neighborhood next door to a park named for Judy. She believed in everything he opposes.”
I once lived on this block and was President of Del Ray Citizens. Judy Lowe was a friend and a Democratic activist. It is weird Vance moved to the heart of this socially progressive neighborhood next door to a park named for Judy. She would support everything he opposes. https://t.co/AAdqhHORBh
— Michael Brown (@MJBofDCA) August 23, 2024
As the Secret Service enforces these heightened measures, Vance’s neighbors remain divided over the park closure, with many continuing to voice their displeasure.
