DETROIT (WWJ) – A portion of I-94 in Dearborn was blocked by protesters late Thursday afternoon, leading to heavy traffic backups in the area.
Michigan State Police officials tell WWJ about two dozen vehicles began blocking several lanes of traffic along westbound I-94 after Schaefer. Pedestrians were also outside of their cars on the freeway, according to MSP.
MSP officials did not immediately confirm what the protest is related to, though WWJ traffic tipsters believed it was in connection with the Israel-Hamas war.
MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said on social media the freeway protests was dangerous.
"While we respect everyone's right to protest, the freeway is not the place to stop and exit your vehicle. The danger created to other drivers and the pedestrians themselves is too great," he said.
When troopers arrived at the freeway, the pedestrians were found to be protesting and were "extremely aggressive" towards the troopers, according to MSP.
Additional troopers arrived on scene and tow trucks were called in to tow the vehicles. The pedestrians then got back in their cars and left the scene, officials said.
One citation was issued to the organizer and ultimately no vehicles needed to be towed.
One tipster, Paul, told WWJ he was stuck behind the protest, where he saw people waving flags out of sunroofs and windows, though he wasn't sure what nation the flags were from.
The freeway had gone down to one lane in the area, with traffic getting by on the right. The blockage cleared about 5 p.m., though rush hour traffic remained heavy in the area.
Earlier in the day protesters chanted outside of U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow' office in Downtown Detroit.
This is a developing news story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as they become available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
