EAST PALESTINE, Ohio >> The president of Norfolk Southern made a visit to East Palestine, Ohio, on Saturday following criticism from residents and political leaders about the company’s response to the fiery derailment of a freight train carrying toxic materials earlier this month.

Fox Business reports that company President and CEO Alan Shaw told reporters Saturday he was there “to support the community” but declined further comment.

Earlier in the week, representatives of Norfolk Southern were absent from a public meeting attended by hundreds of people, with officials saying they were worried about physical threats. Gov. Mike DeWine was upset by the no-show at the Wednesday meeting and said Shaw needed to go to East Palestine and answer questions.

Norfolk Southern said in a statement Friday that it was “committed to coordinating the cleanup project and paying for its associated costs.”

— The Associated Press