The Latest: Oil train protesters disrupt Obama speech

SEATTLE – The Latest on President Barack Obama’s fundraising trip to Seattle (all times local):

7:30 p.m.

Protesters objecting to crude oil shipments on Northwest railways briefly interrupted President Barack Obama’s remarks in Seattle.

Speaking at a fundraiser Friday evening for Gov. Jay Inslee, the president paused when hecklers shouted, urging him to use his authority to stop the trains. The president responded, saying he heard them: “You made your point, but can I go on now?”

An oil train accident in the Columbia River Gorge on June 3 released 42,000 gallons of crude oil and sparked a massive fire. Environmentalists and local leaders – including Inslee – have called for a moratorium on transporting oil by rail until safety issues are addressed.

Later Friday evening Obama was going to attend a gathering to raise money for the Democratic Congressional Committee.

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3:42 p.m.

President Barack Obama has arrived in Seattle for Democratic fundraisers.

Air Force One touched town Friday afternoon at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the president was scheduled to speak at the Washington State Convention Center at an event for Gov. Jay Inslee. Later Friday evening Obama was going to attend a gathering to raise money for the Democratic Congressional Committee.

Protesters planned to greet Obama, including a group that included former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn that object to crude oil shipments on the region’s railways.

Earlier Friday Obama was in California speaking with entrepreneurs at Stanford University.

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