U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Puerto Rico on Friday for a brief visit aimed at showcasing the federal aid the U.S. territory has received in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes. The trip also included attendance at a Democratic fundraiser as part of a broader effort to engage with Latino voters ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Accompanying Harris on her visit were U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman. The delegation was welcomed by Governor Pedro Pierluisi, a Democrat advocating for Puerto Rico's statehood.
Prior to Harris' arrival, a small group of protesters gathered in the capital to voice their discontent with the island's territorial status and call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some protesters expressed their opposition to Harris' visit, with one individual standing on a U.S. flag and others burning additional flags.
During her visit, Harris was scheduled to tour a home in Canovanas and visit a community center in San Juan. She was also set to address a campaign reception before returning to the U.S. mainland later in the day. This marks Harris' first visit to Puerto Rico as vice president, having previously visited the island in 2017 as a U.S. senator following the destructive hurricanes Irma and Maria.
