PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — President Barack Obama arrived in Rhode Island Thursday night ahead of a speaking event at Rhode Island College.
Air Force One touched down at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick just after 9 p.m. The president will be staying overnight in Rhode Island, and will be the first commander-in-chief to do so in decades.
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Obama is slated to speak to the public Friday morning at RIC on the economy and the importance of pursuing policies to help women succeed.
For security reasons it’s not known where the president will be staying, but there are plenty of signs in Providence that suggest he may be staying downtown. Police were seen putting up extra lighting in a couple of places near the OMNI hotel. Temporary fencing has also been put up around the hotel and the adjacent Rhode Island Convention Center.
A spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation said there will be road restrictions around the city on Friday, but did not mention any specific road closures. She said the changes will likely impact the morning commute and that drivers should expect delays.
RIPTA has moved several downtown bus stops and detoured some area bus routes until 10 a.m. Friday.
First Lady Michelle Obama was also in Rhode Island on Thursday, headlining a campaign event in Providence for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Raimondo.
