EAST PALESTINE, Ohio - Over one year after a fiery train derailment forever changed the lives of the residents of East Palestine, U.S. President Joe Biden will be paying the town a visit to discuss how his administration is holding those responsible for the derailment accountable.

This will be the president's first visit to East Palestine since the train derailment that occurred February 3, 2023. He arrived at the Pittsburgh International Airport around 2:25 p.m. in Air Force 1.

Biden stepped out of the plane just after 2:40 p.m.

From there, he is expected to travel to East Palestine is expected to arrive around 4:20 p.m. for a private briefing.

Before that though, he made a brief pit stop to the neighboring Darlington Township Fire Department where he met with firefighters.

At 4:45 p.m., Biden is expected deliver remarks about the derailment including how his administration is holding Norfolk Southern accountable, what his administration is doing to support the community and the work being done with state and local officials moving forward.

After this, he's expected to go home back to Delaware around 7:30 p.m.

According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden is going at the invite of East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway and plans to hear directly from the people of East Palestine.

"This is a trip that he has been wanting to make but wanted to make sure that it was the right time to do," Jean-Pierre said. "When the derailment happened, the federal agencies were on the ground within hours  and many of them have continued to be there, whether it's the EPA or FEMA."

It is not believed the President will grant a major disaster declaration or announce further funding assistance. There's been ongoing scrutiny towards of President for waiting this long to step foot in the Village. Some residents say they feel forgotten and hope Friday's visit isn't just a photo-op.

A statement released by Americans For Prosperity Ohio described this visit as a "clear political stunt."

"It is ironic that he has chosen to begin the tour here as Ohio gas prices are spiking and inflation is taking a toll in a community negatively impacted by ‘Bidenomics’ policies," the statement reads.

The President is scheduled to return to Pittsburgh International Airport at 7:35 p.m. and return to Dover, Delaware around 8:45 p.m.

21 News is the only local media traveling with President Biden during his time in the village. We will provide live coverage upon Biden's arrival on air as well as all of our social media platforms and on our website and app.

Stay updated with us on air and online throughout the day Friday.