Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Nine people of ages ranging from 21 to 30 years old are facing multiple misdemeanor charges after blocking the flow of traffic on I-95 South near the Arthur Ashe Boulevard exit.
Their protest began just before 7 a.m. on Monday, March 11 as part of a “Free Palestine” demonstration. The group was wearing shirts reading “Stop Genocide” and surrounding themselves in the colors of the Palestinian flag.
State police declared an unlawful assembly and eventually took all 9 individuals into custody. There were no injuries to any of the protesters involved or law enforcement, according to police.
All lanes of I-95 were cleared nearly four hours after the protest began. State police say the protestors are unlikely to face jail time as the charges are misdemeanors.
“It is unacceptable to block interstates, endanger the lives of Virginians and cause mayhem on our roads,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin in a statement. “Grateful to [Virginia State Police] for their commitment to ensuring safety and quickly handling during this morning’s commute.”
