The Washington State Patrol issued the following media release on Tuesday in response to plans by protesters to block the freeway system on May Day:
“The Washington State Patrol respects the rights of citizens to engage in civil protests and other acts of civil disobedience. However, any actions taken by an unauthorized person or persons to shut down a federal interstate highway system would be dangerous and irresponsible behavior that could cause serious and/or fatal injuries to involved protesters and unassuming highway users,” said Capt. Ron Mead, District 2 commander whose area encompasses all of King County, in a media release. “We will seek prosecutor assistance to hold anyone illegally involved in such behavior accountable for their criminal actions.”
Mead continued.
“The freeways are no place for protests, and calls for protesters to block the freeway system is simply reckless and irresponsible. The WSP and our partner WSDOT go to great lengths to keep the freeway system flowing. This is not about politics, this is about public safety. To that end, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the rights of peaceful protesters, but will not tolerate any interference with blocking the freeway system. The WSP will be fully prepared to address any such attempts to block the freeway system and will arrest those that attempt to do just that.”
The State Patrol also noted that the collision on Interstate 5 in Bellingham on Feb. 11 happened after protesters blocked the freeway which in turn created traffic conditions that contributed to a serious injury collision in the back up.
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