Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia vehemently denounced a pro-Palestinian demonstration that caused traffic disruptions on a highway, calling the activists’ behavior “unacceptable.” Nine protestors were detained by Virginia State Police during the demonstration near Exit 78 near Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond for obstructing the road with their bodies, ladders, a long metal chain, and “sleeping dragon” devices. Wearing sweaters bearing the slogan “STOP GENOCIDE,” the protesters sought to raise awareness of the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
The event happened early in the morning, seriously disrupting Interstate 95’s southbound lanes. Around 6:54 a.m., Virginia State Police received notice of the blockade; by 7:09 a.m., they had proclaimed an Unlawful Assembly. The activists were led to the shoulder of the road, and specially trained troopers were used to safely remove them from their devices as part of efforts to clear the interstate and guarantee the safety of both protesters and drivers.
Governor Youngkin sent his appreciation to the Virginia State Police for their prompt and efficient measures in guaranteeing security and reinstating order amid the morning rush hour. The southbound lanes were briefly closed due to the protest, however they were restored approximately ten minutes later, at which point traffic started moving again.
The protesters faced charges for a number of infractions, including blocking another person’s car, preventing others from traveling freely, assembling unlawfully, and crossing the freeway as a pedestrian. The names of the demonstrators who were charged were made public, showcasing the variety of backgrounds of the participants.
This demonstration is a part of a broader international reaction to the war between Israel and Hamas, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, mostly of innocent Palestinians. Protests around the world have been triggered by the crisis, with calls for an end to the violence and a resolution to the long-standing problems between Israel and Palestine.