“It’s just exciting to know he’s right here in my backyard,” said Fridley resident Maria Soria.
Biden’s brief trip to Fridley was a monumental event in this Twin Cities suburb.
“It’s a happy day when the president is here in our city,” said Ahmed Nasar of Fridley.
“I took the rest of the day off work so I could hopefully get a glimpse of him,” Soria said. “So, I’m pretty excited about it.”
There was a huge police presence for President Biden’s appearance – including officers from Blaine and Lino Lakes. Local streets were blocked off and traffic was rerouted.
“I didn’t see him,” Soria said. “But I’ve seen the secret service, I’ve seen all the cars and yeah, pretty excited, was hoping to get a glimpse.”
“The US president is coming to Fridley,” Nasar said. “I was like, yeah, I’ve got to see him. I live a couple blocks away.”
Waving to the President
Most of those who showed up just wanted to get close to the most powerful man in the free world. They had no access, but St. Paul’s Kimberly Goodwin actually saw President Biden’s motorcade go by.
“I did,” Goodwin said. “It was wonderful. I was able to get up close. I waved and I just said – he probably didn’t hear me – I said thanks for your decency.”
“Just had a birthday,” Soria said. “Have never seen a president live in person before in my life, so I thought maybe.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar were also part of President Biden’s visit.
Of course, not all of the people who turned out were Biden fans. Some wore bright red MAGA caps.
