Jack Evans, chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, confirmed on Sunday there would be no special subway trains or security for those attending a “white civil rights” rally, after considering that option on Friday.
Mr. Evans told local news ABC7 that there would not be any special cars for rally-goers, but the board will discuss platform security for everyone using the Metro on Aug 12.
“I’m here to dispel the notion, I’m here to say as chairman of the board of Metro, there will be no special cars, no special trains for anyone next Sunday or, for that matter, at any time,” Mr. Evans told the local news station. “We are a public transportation organization. We are open for whoever wants to get on and ride Metro.”
Originally, Mr. Evans told local news that they could possibly keep counter-protesters separate from those attending the Aug 12. rally. The event marks the anniversary of the deadly “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
WMATA spokesperson Sherri Ly released a statement confirming the chairman’s latest announcement. Fellow spokesperson Dan Stessel told local news last week that details of plans could not be released.
“As we said last week, we do not discuss security plans (and in the case of this event, not even plans, but discussions and deliberations),” Ms. Ly said, “However, in the interest of ensuring that our customers have the most accurate information, I can tell you that the only station closures next weekend are Farragut West, McPherson Square and the lower level of Metro Center — all for track work, as we announced weeks ago. Claims that Vienna Station will be closed next weekend are false.”
• Andrew Blake contributed to this article.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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