Vice presidential nominee JD Vance stopped in Virginia Beach Thursday for a private fundraiser, causing numerous road closures in the city and Norfolk.
The fundraiser, closed to press, took place at the Cavalier Hotel at the Oceanfront. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and former U.S. Rep. Scott Taylor were reportedly in attendance after touring storm damage from Hurricane Helene in southwest Virginia with Vance earlier that day.
Lines of traffic snaked through neighborhoods and GPS apps diverted commuters on increasingly elaborate detours Thursday night. It was all in the name of security, said Virgina Beach police public information officer Jude Brenya.
“The city was notified and we were aware of the event in advance, but due to heightened national security measures under the direction of the U.S. Secret Service, we could not announce that specific traffic impact ahead of time,” Brenya said.
Interstate 264 was closed in both directions at various points to allow Vance’s motorcade to reach the Oceanfront unobstructed. Police also blocked roads going over and under 264.
“We’d like to tell our citizens that we do share the frustration with the traffic delays that occur when high-profile guests come into our area,” Brenya said. “But these precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the motorcade and all involved.”
