Protesters Briefly Delay Train Bound For Patriots Game

An MBTA commuter rail train on its way to Gillette Stadium for the AFC playoff game between the Patriots and Ravens was briefly delayed in Dedham this afternoon, when protesters from Black Lives Matter Boston made their way onto the tracks.

Transit police officials told Boston.com that a group of people were protesting on the platform of the Dedham commuter rail station, where the train was making a routine stop. While the train was stopped, a small group made its way onto the track and stood there for about four minutes.

The protesters then left the tracks, and the train continued on as usual. No arrests were made.

“The train was delayed for four and half minutes to represent the four and half hours Michael Brown’s body was left lying in the street; this span of time has become symbolic within the movement,’’ Black Lives Matter Boston wrote in a statement posted on its Tumblr.

“At this game many white fans will cheer and celebrate Black athletes in the stadium while ignoring the racism Black people face in daily life. The AFC Division Playoff Game required us to insist that Black lives matter all the time, everywhere, on and off the field,’’ the statement said.

. @AP .@7News #mbta #PatriotsNation train stopped by protesters #breaking #blacklivesmatter on&off the field #mapoli pic.twitter.com/4icYyrBhvg

— Carlie✌ (@CCNeedsATwittah) January 10, 2015

The #MBTA train made a scheduled stop in Dedham. Organizers stood on the tracks to delay the train from leaving the station for 4.5 mins.

— Madge (@madgeofhonor) January 10, 2015

Stopping #mbta @Fara1 @patriots train. #BlackLivesMatter on and off the field. pic.twitter.com/s9r59RwcXc

— David Jenkins (@dvj_yrf) January 10, 2015

Per #MBTA:"It wasn't delayed. The train was making its regular station stop when demonstrators staged their photo." pic.twitter.com/cBwipx05oP

— Steve Annear (@steveannear) January 10, 2015

#MBTA conductor says #Pats train arrival to #Gillette delayed 30 mins due to protests at #Dedham Station.

— susantran (@susantran) January 10, 2015

Patriots train delayed exactly 4.5 min to honor #MikeBrown. Today America values #BlackBodies for 4 quarters, then stops. @BostonMagazine

— David Jenkins (@dvj_yrf) January 10, 2015