#ShutdownDC | Climate Strike Demonstrations Causing Traffic Woes In Downtown DC
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJZ) -- Protestors are blocking several major intersections that lead motorists to downtown Washington D.C.
The protest, called Shut Down DC, is loosely associated with the Metro D.C. chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and Black Lives Matter D.C. According to Reuters, nearly 1,150 people had signed up for the protests on a dedicated web site by Sunday night.
The protests in Washington, D.C. were scheduled to take place on Monday in Farragut Square, Columbus Circle, Folger Park, and Hancock Park.
The following intersections are blocked:
- 12th and Independence Avenue
- New York Avenue near 395
- North Capitol and Massachusetts Avenue
- 16th and K Street
Protesters blocked several major thoroughfares in the nation's capital and some chained themselves to a sailboat at the intersection of 16th and K Streets, CBS News' Julia Boccagno reported. The boat was later towed away.
https://twitter.com/juliaboccagno
The demonstrations are creating havoc as morning rush hour is underway downtown.
"We hope with by our actions on Monday, we can raise public awareness of this issue and understand it's just not going to be taken as business as usual, that we need some drastic action on climate change issues in the relatively near future," said a spokesman for Shut Down D.C., Mike Golash, according to CBS News affiliate WUSA.
DC protestors also marched Friday, when most of the demonstrations were held. Climate activists blocked major intersections in Washington, D.C. early Monday morning in a show of protest ahead of this week's United Nation's climate summit in New York City. More than 60 countries will attend the summit, which begins today, and activists are seeking to pressure U.S. lawmakers and other world leaders to create legislation that will address climate change.
