Share
A small convoy of truckers demanding an end to coronavirus mandates began a cross-country drive from California to the Washington, D.C., area on Wednesday.
Several hundred people rallied in a parking lot in the cold, windswept Mojave Desert town of Adelanto before about two dozen trucks and a number of other vehicles hit the road. It wasn’t clear how many intended to go all the way.
“To the truck drivers around the world: Now is your time to stand up. Now is your time to usher in a renaissance time of freedom,” truck driver and event organizer Brian Brase told the rally. “Do not bow down.”
Convoy vehicles carried signs with slogans such as “Legalize freedom” and “Let them breathe.”
Modeled on Canada Protests
It was one of several U.S. convoys organized online and modeled on the recent Canadian truckers’ protests that shut down U.S.-Canadian border crossings and besieged the streets of the capital, Ottawa, for weeks. The convoys all have different starting points, departure dates and routes.
A statement issued by organizers of the Adelanto group called it “The People’s Convoy” and said it was multicultural and nonpartisan, although there were Trump flags at the rally.
The statement said “COVID is well-in-hand now, and Americans need to get back to work in a free and unrestricted manner.”
It pledged a “100% safe, lawful and peaceful journey” that will “terminate in the vicinity of the DC area, but will NOT be going into DC proper.” Arrival was scheduled for March 5.
Truck driver Dallas Hughbanks, 61, said his message is freedom of choice, and he specifically noted that he doesn’t want to wear a mask.
“We’re not gonna be violent,” Hughbanks said. “We’re not gonna try to block or blockade anything — just doing a convoy and bringing people to awareness.”
Unarmed National Guard Troops Deployed
The Pentagon has approved the deployment of 700 unarmed National Guard troops to the nation’s capital as it prepares for multiple trucker convoys. The troops would be used to assist with traffic control during demonstrations expected in the city in the coming days, the Pentagon said.
The protest comes as average daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are continuing to fall in the U.S., an indicator that the omicron variant’s hold is weakening across the country, and mandates are being loosened or lifted.
Public health experts say they feel hopeful that more declines are ahead, but many worry U.S. vaccinations remain below expectations, concerns that are exacerbated by the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
RELATED TOPICS:
Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case
8 hours ago
CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?
9 hours ago
Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sets a Record After Wall Streets Breaks Out of Its Lull
9 hours ago
House Speaker Mike Johnson Headed to Fresno on April 4
9 hours ago
Bredefeld, Smittcamp Debate the Salary of Valley Children’s CEO
9 hours ago
CA’s Liberal Government Has a Long History of Caving to Special Interests
10 hours ago
Police Had About 90 Seconds to Stop Traffic Before Baltimore Bridge Fell. 6 Workers Are Feared Dead
11 hours ago
NBC Has Cut Ties With Former RNC Head Ronna McDaniel After Employee Objections, Some on the Air
11 hours ago
Here Are Some Numbers That Will Help You Get Your March Madness Fix for the Sweet 16
11 hours ago
Ukrainian Navy Says a Third of Russian Warships in the Black Sea Have Been Destroyed or Disabled