Delaware County Man Loses Fight Over Parking During Government Shutdown
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Pennsylvania runner ticketed for parking at Valley Forge National Historical Park during the government shutdown has lost his day in court.
John Bell's $100 ticket prompted supporters to hold a "Patriot Run" last fall on the public roads that cut through the park near Philadelphia.
Bell's lawyer says the Chadds Ford man will appeal Wednesday's decision by a federal judge.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacob Hart found that Bell illegally entered the park's Varnum's Picnic Area in October. Bell says he did not go around any barriers when he parked in a remote lot.
Lawyer Jeremy Ibrahim says Bell will appeal to district court.
The National Park Service argued that parks around the country were closed during the federal government shutdown for safety reasons.
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