Convoy protesting COVID-19 mandates circles Washington

A large group of truckers opposing the COVID-19 mandates circled twice around the “Capital Beltway” a freeway bypassing Washington, DC, on Sunday, deliberately moving slowly to shock traffic and make his sentiments known to lawmakers in the nation’s capital.

People thronged the overpasses, saluting the “People’s Convoy” and holding up signs and American flags. Inside the convoy, there were tractor-trailers with horns blaring and a few occasional RVs and pickup trucks passing by, mixed with normal traffic on Interstate 495 in Silver Springs, Maryland.

The convoy was moving normally, albeit slowly, and although some congestion was noted, the media reported that traffic was flowing around the convoy. Many vehicles carried American flags, while some waved Don’t Tread On Me banners.

“We’re not even sure we can still call it a convoy because it’s so spread out in routine traffic right now,” Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller told reporters. The Washington Post.

Protesters congregated at Hagerstown Speedway in Maryland over the weekend before heading onto a single lane of Interstate 81.

The convoy follows similar demonstrations by truckers in Canada who are upset about vaccination requirements to cross the Canadian border. The Washington Post also reported that convoy organizer Brian Brase intends for protesters to ride the beltway every day this week until their demands are met.

A video posted on Twitter showed trucks passing under a large American flag hoisted into the air by two cranes. Supporters stood along a highway waving as drivers exited the track.

State police officials in Maryland and Virginia have said they will monitor the activities.

Authorities in the District of Columbia said Sunday they are monitoring demonstration activity that is expected to begin disrupting travel on highways in and around the region. Most of the activity is expected to occur on the beltway. Travelers are advised to consider alternative modes of transportation.

[Con información de The Associated Press]

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