Virginia's governor responded to a group of pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked a segment of a highway Monday to protest Israel's continuing war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza.
“It is unacceptable to block highways, endanger the lives of Virginians and cause chaos on our roads,” Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a message on the State of Virginia “for its commitment to ensuring safety and security.” quick handling during this morning's journey.
The Republican governor's comments come after Virginia State Police arrested nine protesters earlier in the day near Exit 78 near Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond. Protesters lined up and positioned themselves on the other side of Interstate 95, completely blocking the road.
Virginia State Police said protesters used ladders, a large metal chain and “sleeping dragon” devices. Photos taken at the scene also showed the protesters wearing sweaters reading “STOP THE GENOCIDE.”
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Virginia State Police arrested nine pro-Palestinian protesters near Exit 78 on Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond on Monday. (Virginia State Police)
In an online statement, Virginia State Police said they began receiving calls from several motorists reporting the road blocked around 6:54 a.m.
“Upon arriving on scene, State Police encountered nine individuals lying in the southbound lanes. [had] tied together using two ladders, a large metal chain and 'sleeping dragon' devices,” police said.
Authorities said the protesters linked themselves together using two ladders, a large metal chain and devices called “sleeping dragons.” (Virginia State Police)
“At 7:09 a.m., State Police declared an unlawful assembly (Code of Virginia 18.2-406… § 18.2-406. What constitutes an unlawful assembly; punishment (virginia.gov)). For the safety of the demonstrators and to expedite After the reopening of the interstate lanes, the demonstrators were guided to the right shoulder, southbound of the highway. Three of the demonstrators voluntarily abandoned almost immediately. They were placed in custody at seen and transported off the highway,” the statement continued.
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About 10 minutes later, the southbound lanes were reopened to traffic, the agency said.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin called the pro-Palestinian demonstration that disrupted traffic on the highway “unacceptable.” (Julia Nikhinson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Additional police officers assisted in the arrest and six other protesters were taken into custody.
“Specially trained soldiers arrived on the scene to safely free the six remaining protesters from the sleeping dragon devices, which turned out to be large PVC pipes wrapped in chicken wire and connected by a large metal chain. The six “He was then taken into custody without further incident and transported off the highway,” VSP said.
The war between Israel and Hamas has left tens of thousands dead on both sides, most of them Palestinian civilians. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
According to the press release, the scene was cleared around 10:30 a.m.
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The Richmond City Police, Richmond City Fire Department, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) all assisted in making arrests or relaying scene safety measures, traffic control, and warnings. circulation to residents.
The following protesters were charged with stopping another's vehicle, obstructing the free passage of others, unlawful assembly, and being a pedestrian on the highway:
- Zayneabideen Rasul Al-Murshidi, 23, of Roanoke
- Max Hudson Gray Holland, 24, of Henrico
- Charles D. Caines, 23, of Round Hill
- Kemp Walker Barber, 25, of Richmond
- Connor Joris McCarty, 21, from Norfolk
- Naomi Destiny Isaac, 25, of Richmond
- Sarah Elizabeth Milkowski Dahlgren, of Henrico
- Kenrick Keith Cameron Jr., 25, of Richmond
- Jasmine Juliet Cuellar, 30, of Richmond
Neither the demonstrators nor the police reported any injuries, police said.
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Israel continues to be at war with Hamas since the terrorist group carried out its October 7 surprise attack, the deadliest attack on Israeli soil in its history as a country. The war has left tens of thousands dead on both sides, with most of the casualties being Palestinian civilians.
The civilian death toll has sparked protests around the world.