JD Vance, the vice presidential candidate, has found himself at the center of a neighborhood controversy in Alexandria, Virginia after the Secret Service closed and barricaded a park near his home, told The US Sun. The decision to close Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park and restrict access to an adjacent block to residents only has sparked backlash among locals.
The city announced the closure on Sunday, August 25, in response to heightened security measures requested by the Secret Service for Donald Trump’s running mate. “Beginning Sunday, August 25, and in response to a request from the United States Secret Service (USSS), the Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park, located at 1 & 7 E. Del Ray Ave. will be temporarily closed until further notice,” read the city’s notice, as reported by local news outlet ALXnow.
The move quickly ignited frustration among Vance’s neighbors, who expressed their anger on social media and in the comments section of ALXnow.com. “I am all for protecting people, but if that park is such a danger, he should probably move,” wrote a commenter identifying themselves as Thomas Blackwood. “The park belongs to the city and the people of Alexandria, not his protection staff. And to be perfectly honest, a true Republican would not want the government infringing on other people’s rights.”
Another resident echoed the sentiment, arguing that the park should remain accessible to the community. “They should be able to freely use the city resources regardless of who lives adjacent to the park. Let the Secret Service figure it out. What happens if some other high-level protectee moves in adjacent to another park?”
However, not all comments were critical. One person attempted to lighten the mood, writing, “Oh for goodness sakes. Enough. The man is running for VP of the United States. No matter your political affiliation, you should be proud your neighbor is willing to run for office. Shame on you for being so ugly.”
Adding to the tension, business leader Michael Brown, former executive director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, weighed in on the situation. In a post on X, Brown revealed that he lives on the same block as Vance and knew the woman the park was named after. “Judy Lowe was a friend and a Democratic activist,” Brown wrote. “Weirdly, Vance moved to the heart of this socially progressive neighborhood next door to a park named for Judy. She believed in everything he opposes.”
The closure of the park has not only caused disruption in the community but also highlighted the political and ideological divides within the neighborhood. As the Secret Service maintains its security measures, Vance’s neighbors continue to voice their discontent, underscoring the challenges that come with living near high-profile political figures.