Airbnb on Wednesday said it’s canceling all reservations in the Washington, D.C. metro area for Inauguration week due to local and federal officials asking people to not travel to the nation’s capital.
“Airbnb’s work continues to be informed by inputs from our local host community as well as Washington, D.C. officials, Metro Police and Members of Congress throughout this week,” the company said in a blog post announcing its decision. “In particular, Mayor Bowser, Governor Hogan and Governor Northam have been clear that visitors should not travel to the D.C. Metro area for the Inauguration. Additionally, we are aware of reports emerging yesterday afternoon regarding armed militias and known hate groups that are attempting to travel and disrupt the Inauguration.”
Anyone that had reservations for the D.C. area will have their money refunded, Airbnb said. Airbnb also said it’ll be reimbursing its hosts for the lost revenue from canceled reservations. On top of canceling existing reservations, Airbnb also said its blocking users from scheduling new reservations for the D.C. area ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
*Also Read:* YouTube Blocks Trump From Posting New Content for 'Minimum of 7 Days'
The company’s decision comes after the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Trump last week, an attack that resulted in five people dying. Airbnb on Wednesday said it had been investigating whether any of its users took part in the attack since last week.
“Through this work, we have identified numerous individuals who are either associated with known hate groups or otherwise involved in the criminal activity at the Capitol Building, and they have been banned from Airbnb’s platform,” the company said.
*Related stories from TheWrap:*
Donald Trump Joins Twitch, Amazon-Owned Video Game Streaming Site
Ratings: James Comey Interview Nabs 9.8 Million Viewers for ABC
Colbert: 'Insane' Trump-Stormy Daniels Saga Also 'Least Surprising Story I Have Ever Heard' (Video)
Airbnb Cancels All Washington, DC Reservations for Inauguration Week
The Wrap
0 shares
1 views
You might like
Related news coverage
Airbnb to block, cancel DC bookings ahead of inauguration
WorldNews
NEW YORK (AP) — Airbnb said Wednesday it will be blocking and canceling all reservations in the Washington, D.C., area during the..
-
Airbnb has been quietly using social media to root out and ban extremists
engadget
-
DC hotels won't close during inauguration week after Airbnb canceled all area reservations amid worries of renewed violence
Business Insider
-
Airbnb is canceling and blocking Washington D.C. reservations during inauguration week
Upworthy
-
Airbnb to block, cancel DC bookings ahead of inauguration
SeattlePI.com
Advertisement
More coverage
Shelley Zimmerman Named TV President for ‘Morning Show’ Showrunner Kerry Ehrin’s Production Company
The Wrap
Shelley Zimmerman has been named president of television for Kerry Ehrin’s production company, Bad Attitude..
-
Airbnb cancels all D.C. bookings for Inauguration Week
Mashable
-
Airbnb cancels reservations in Washington area ahead of inauguration
BBC News
-
Airbnb cancels all DC bookings for inauguration, calls out 'Proud Boys'
New Zealand Herald
-
Airbnb cancels Washington DC bookings amid riot fears
Brisbane Times