Trucker convoy seeks to enter Washington but police block access to most demonstrators -Breaking
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© Reuters. FILEPHOTO: A convoy of vehicles, which included 18-wheeler trucks, trailers, and cars, travel towards Washington, D.C. after they arrived in protest of the coronavirus (COVID-19), mandates, as well as other issues.By Jim Bourg
WASHINGTON (Reuters] – On Monday, a convoy of trucks tried to take a week-long cross-country demonstration against COVID-19 mandates through Washington. But police prevented many vehicles from crossing bridges or entering city streets.
This was the first attempt by protesters to get into the city since the convoy had arrived earlier this month. In February, the procession began in California.
Trucks were joined in protest by motorists and others on Monday.
Monday’s closures resulted in traffic jams at three of the major interstates within the capital. Officials warned this Monday.
Traffic cameras mounted close to the 14th Street Bridge above the Potomac River revealed that dozens upon dozens of huge rigs were jammed up on Interstate 395 just near the Pentagon. Traffic was snarling as many drivers blared their airhorns.
Many trucks were blocked but some truck drivers managed to make it through the streets, as per live streaming posted by social media.
Inspired by the demonstrations in Ottawa last month, leaders of the convoy are demanding that all pandemic restrictions be lifted. Participants from all over the country joined in protest against vaccinations required for government, military and health employees.
This bill also has the support of Republicans, such as U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas; and Senator Ron Johnson, Wisconsin.
Recent weeks have seen a decrease in the protests against vaccination requirements and other restrictions to pandemics. Many cities across America are reducing mandated masks as well as other measures, due to falling hospitalizations and infections.
Before motorists made the nearly 80-mile drive to Washington on Monday morning hundreds of vehicles congregated at Hagerstown Speedway, Maryland.
The Washington Post reports that the group planned to hold a demonstration on Washington’s National Mall, but withdrew the application for permit because the National Park Service wouldn’t grant it the dates requested.
An official from the National Park Service didn’t immediately reply to my request for comment.
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