Activists protesting police violence against black Americans shut down a portion of Interstate 93 on Thursday morning causing major traffic delays, according to Massachusetts State police.
Activists linked arms and chained themselves to barriers to disrupt Boston area commuters at peak hours, the Associted Press reported.
The Boston chapter of Black Lives Matter reportedly organized the demonstration. The group said on its Facebook page that their purpose was to raise awareness of ‘‘police and state violence against Black people.’’
Police told the AP that the protests succesfully blocked Interstate 93 north at East Milton Square south of the city, and I-93 south at Mystic Avenue north of the city.
ALERT: If you’re wondering why I-93 North in East Milton isn’t moving, protesters are sitting on the highway. pic.twitter.com/X3XYCKFdzi
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) January 15, 2015
Protestors attach them self to half ton barrels to shut down I-93. That’s real. #Boston #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/GWOE9tL6IR
— Jayron (@Jayron26) January 15, 2015
RIGHT NOW:
#BlackLivesMatter Protestors, arms chained together inside barrel on I-93 Milton/Quincy line
(@TimAlben) pic.twitter.com/96lhrKzoIR
— STACO COMMUNICATIONS (@stacos) January 15, 2015
[NOW] #boston #BlackLivesMatter protesters, attached to 1200 lb barrels on I-93 N/B #QuincyMA to shut down highway pic.twitter.com/1JaGjvmcM3
— STACO COMMUNICATIONS (@stacos) January 15, 2015
Good thing they weren’t in the middle of an ice storm or blizzard on the I-94.
Are police officers ever going have an introspective moment? Maybe their union leaders should ask them to think about the protests.
OK. Black Lives Matter. We get it. (in fact, a lot of us Got It from the beginning)
Now what?
Why would this type of protest force an introspective moment? To commuters just trying to get to work, police are the heroes here.
Black lives matter!
Unless they’ need to get to work, or to a hospital.
Tying up traffic to get people on your side. This seems like a white person idea. Someone probably used the term “awareness”, without even realizing the irony.