Capitol Police issue emergency declaration as rolling ‘People’s Convoy’ protest circles DC

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Even though People’s Convoy organizers reportedly have no plans for the truck armada to enter Washington, D.C., proper, the U.S. Capitol Police has declared an emergency situation of some kind.

“‘The Capitol Police Board has issued an emergency declaration to ensure that the US Capitol police are able to operate and respond as necessary,’ [House Sergeant at Arms William] Walker said in a letter to all members of Congress and staff,” CNN reported. “Walker advised members and staff to consider telework options and the use of public transportation to avoid traffic delays.”

Congress will also reimburse lawmakers or any staffers “for short-term lodging expenses” who have to check in to a hotel presumably because heavy vehicle volume prevents them from getting home, Walker noted.

Christopher Rodriguez, D.C.’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management director, has said, however, that “Our residents, commuters and visitors should expect traffic disruptions over the next several days.”

“While we respect everyone’s rights to come to the nation’s capital and exercise their First Amendment rights, what we won’t tolerate are people who break our laws,” he asserted, according to the Washington Post.

Parenthetically, the Capitol Police has faced criticism that it has become an overly politicized agency under the Democrats.

The National Guard, which was deployed in connection with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, will also remain on duty in D.C. until March 9.

After a jubilant rally at Hagerstown, Maryland, Speedway on Saturday night, America’s version of Canada’s Freedom Convoy, which originated in California, looped the 64-mile Washington I-495 Beltway for about four hours on Sunday with an estimated 1,000 vehicles as part of the peaceful protest against federal COVID-19 mandates.

A similar caravan to circle the Nation’s Capital is scheduled for Monday and apparently for succeeding days.

“Convoy organizer Brian Brase has repeatedly said the People’s Convoy will not enter the District. Instead, the demonstrators, who have based themselves at the Hagerstown Speedway, plan to increase the number of trips around the Beltway each day to pressure lawmakers and public officials,” according to The Washington Post.

Maureen Steele, another organizer, told CNN that “her group coordinated its demonstration with local law enforcement to prevent any conflicts. ”

According to the sheriff of Washington County, Maryland, the Hagerstown jurisdiction, “There are at least four convoys that have converged in Hagerstown and are staying at the Hagerstown Speedway. There have been no problems and we are just monitoring things. We are working closely with the Maryland State Police.”

Virginia State Police are also monitoring the situation.

With regard to the truckers, Sheriff Doug Mullendore added that “They have been very respectful and have caused no problems here.”

In a press release, the People’s Convoy explained, in part, that “it’s time for elected officials to work with the blue collar and white-collar workers of America and restore accountability and liberty – by lifting all mandates and ending the state of emergency – as COVID is well-in-hand now, and Americans need to get back to work in a free and unrestricted manner.

“The People’s Convoy is a non-partisan, trucker-led effort supported by a cross-cultural and multi-faith contingent of supporters,” the message also noted.

Some officials anticipate that the convoy could double to 2,000 vehicles in the days ahead.

In this video, drivers succinctly highlight all the vast array of products that the long-haul trucking sector delivers to America:

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