A coalition of truckers from across the United States is driving to Washington D.C. to protest the national emergency state related to the pandemic.
The People’s Convoy, a grassroots coalition of truckers, have traveled from both coasts to Washington D.C. for a peaceful demonstration and protest to redact the Presidentially declared national emergency concerning COVID-19.
“We are coming peacefully and we are going to do this lawfully and constitutionally,” Kyle Sefcik, the east coast organizer of the convoy said. “I want the rest of the world to know our plans so that there’s no twisting and lying about who and what we are.”
“We just want government overreach to end.”
The People’s Convoy, inspired by the Freedom Convoy in Canada, looks to not only end the national emergency but also to “restore our nation’s constitution”, according to their website.
Mike Landis, a spokesperson of the People’s Convoy posted a video to the coalition’s website.
“This is for the people,” Landis said. “What that means is, this is not just for us. This is for our country, for our futures.”
“The whole point of this is freedom. The freedom to choose what is best for your life, within the morals and the guidelines of our constitution.”
Landis also stated that the purpose of the convoy is to get the current administration to redact the Emergency Powers Act, which entitles the executive branch of government to certain powers.
Maggie Rossman, a junior studying molecular biology, shared her thoughts on the convoy.
“I think that saying it’s a violation of your freedom, it’s not. I mean, it’s a pandemic,” Rossman said.
The convoy contains two halves, each with its various ‘legs’ beginning in various states.
One leg, which began its journey in Troutdale OR, will pass through Rawlins, Laramie, and Cheyenne March 2 through March 3.
Another leg, beginning in Spokane, WA, plans to stop in Gillette on the afternoon of Mar. 3.
Citizens in Natrona and Fremont county have formed convoy support groups, supplying dry and baked goods, gear, and other safety items for those traveling to D.C.
The eastern half arrived in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, Mar. 1, the day of President Biden’s State of the Union Address.
The western half, which began on Feb. 23 in California, aims to reach Washington D.C. on Mar. 5.
