SEATTLE — President Joe Biden continued a West Coast trip by visiting the Seattle area this weekend.
After attending campaign events in the San Francisco Bay Area, President Biden arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 5 p.m. PT. The president departed from the same airport on Saturday afternoon.
Let's answer some of the top questions about the president's impending expedition to the Emerald City.
Why is President Biden in Seattle?
The White House confirmed he was in town for campaign events, and the Northwest Progressive Institute reported last week that the Biden Victory Fund was sending out invitations for a campaign event on Friday. The address and further information were only available to those who RSVP'd.
When is President Biden in Seattle?
The president landed at SEA Airport on Friday evening at about 4:50 p.m. He took off from a Bay Area airport at about 3:30 p.m. PT.
He was welcomed by several state and local leaders, including Gov. Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi; Rep. Pramila Jayapal; Rep. Suzan DelBene; Mayor Bruce Harrell and his wife, Joanne; King County Executive Dow Constantine and his daughter, Sabrina; and Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Toshiko Grace Hasegawa.
Biden attended a campaign reception in Seattle on Friday at 7 p.m.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction over much of the Puget Sound area from 4:15 p.m. PT Friday until 2:45 p.m. Saturday.
Biden attended a campaign reception in the Medina area on Saturday. He left the state on Air Force One shortly before 2 p.m. PT.
What traffic impacts will come with President Biden's Seattle visit?
For security purposes, the White House and Secret Service don't generally release much information about the travel path for the president's convoy to the public. However, some freeway and road closures took effect upon Biden's arrival and departure from Washington.
President Biden's last visit to Seattle prompted temporary closures of westbound lanes of Interstate 90.
How was SEA Airport affected by President Biden's arrival and departure?
An airport spokesperson said policy requires the airport to halt all activity for 30 minutes before Air Force One touches down and 30 minutes afterward.
Although both Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden have flown through King County International Airport in recent visits, the president has utilized SEA in each of his visits to western Washington since taking office.