PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A runner ticketed for parking at Pennsylvania’s Valley Forge National Historical Park during the federal government shutdown has been told to pay up.
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 resident will appeal Wednesday’s decision by a federal judge.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacob Hart found 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 parks around the country were closed during the federal government shutdown for safety reasons.
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