This past Monday, during rush hour, pro-Palestinian protesters stopped westbound traffic on the Hamilton Fish Newburgh-Beacon Bridge over the Hudson River for over an hour tripling commute time and causing closures for commuters.
In Chicago, protesters blocked the entrance to O’Hare International Airport forcing travelers to walk over a mile with their luggage to get to the airport. There was also a downtown march in the Loop that evening, stopping traffic. Incidents of protesters agitating and spitting at Chicago police officers were just a few of the incidents reported.
San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge was also shut down due to a protester blockade, and the Interstate in Oakland, I-280, was also shut down due to protest activity.
According to the ACLU:
-You don’t need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don’t obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don’t have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons.
-Certain types of events may require permits. These include a march or parade that requires blocking traffic or street closure; a large rally requiring the use of sound amplifying devices; or a rally over a certain size at most parks or plazas.
Do you believe that demonstrators blocking traffic without a permit or alternate traffic plan be immediately removed so the rights of non-participating citizens can be restored?