HAGERSTOWN, Md.—A trucker-led convoy left Maryland on March 7 to loop around the Capital Beltway as the group demands an end to the COVID-19 national emergency declaration.
The People’s Convoy was delayed because of concerns regarding potential infiltrators who are intent on causing “harm, violence, and disruption,” Brian Brase, an organizer of the convoy, told those who gathered before the group took off.
He also warned of drivers who are opposed to the convoy cutting in front of the group and abruptly braking.
Participants were told to record information, including license plate numbers, and call law enforcement.
The convoy, which trekked across the country from California, is protesting President Joe Biden’s continuation of the emergency declaration, COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and other policies.
The convoy, which is staying in Hagerstown, plans to continue to circle the Beltway until their demands are met.
The Beltway loops for 64 miles around Washington and primarily runs through Maryland and Virginia. Organizers are encouraging participants to drive at the speed limit, which is 55 miles per hour.
“We don’t want to break the law. We’re going 55,” said Brase, a truck driver from Ohio. “We’re out here to make a statement.”
Well-wishers gathered on highway overpasses, holding American flags and cheering the group as trucks and cars passed by.
In a statement after the loops were completed, the convoy stated that the group was wrapped “head to tail” around the road.
Law enforcement in Virginia and Washington told The Epoch Times that there were no traffic disruptions or reported crashes linked to the convoy. A Maryland State Police spokesperson declined to immediately comment.
Organizers said they have meetings planned with members of Congress “to have thoughtful and constructive dialogue around our demands.”
Brase declined to name any of the members other than Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.).
“Until they confirm it, we’re not releasing who they are,” Brase said.
Some in the convoy wanted to venture into Washington, but the group hasn’t done so thus far amid concerns that they won’t be treated well by law enforcement there.
A separate convoy gathered at Dominion Raceway in Thornburg, Virginia, on March 6. R.C. Pittman, one of the convoy’s organizers and who was in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, told The Epoch Times that he didn’t want to “subject himself” to poor treatment by federal law enforcement.
Gordon Lewis, standing next to his red pickup truck, drove from Texas to join the rally. The small-business owner said he didn’t want to “just sit back” as the United States is “going to ruin, to communism.”
