A favorite tactic of pro-Palestinian activists is to snarl traffic by blocking streets, intersections and bridges, preferably during rush hour, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn for one has had enough.
The Tennessee Republican introduced legislation Tuesday with Sen. Thom Tillis, North Carolina Republican, that would make it a federal offense punishable by fines or up to five years in prison to interfere with commerce by “blocking a public road or highway, or to attempt to conspire to do so.”
The Safe and Open Streets Act came in reaction to the surge of anti-Israel protests obstructing roadways nationwide since the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israeli civilians, which prompted the Jewish state’s counterattack into Gaza.
“Blocking major roads to stop traffic flows is nothing short of lawlessness that should not be tolerated,” said Ms. Blackburn. “These activists are not only intentionally creating a dangerous situation for themselves, but perhaps for a citizen who is awaiting an ambulance or a hard worker who will lose their job for being late.”
Police have arrested hundreds of pro-ceasefire protesters blocking major arteries since Oct. 7, and yet the demonstrations continue, spurring concerns that progressive district attorneys are letting off the perpetrators with a slap on the wrist.
In New York City, authorities arrested 325 protesters who blocked the Holland Tunnel and three bridges for about 90 minutes during the busy Monday morning commute, but many were released with a ticket telling them to appear later in court.
“In lieu of summons, many protestors will face misdemeanor charges with a desk appearance ticket,” New York Police Department Chief of Patrol John Chell wrote in a Monday post on X.
Those frustrated with the response included former news producer Jake Novak, who replied, “Thank you! But [Manhattan] D.A. Alvin Bragg will almost surely not prosecute any of them.”
In some instances, protesters aren’t even being arrested.
Hundreds of activists calling for a ceasefire blocked the Durham Freeway in North Carolina for nearly three hours during the Nov. 3 evening rush hour, but Durham police made no arrests, citing safety concerns.
The emerging tactic of radical protestors blocking roads and stopping commerce is not only obnoxious to innocent commuters, but it’s also dangerous and will eventually get people killed. It needs to be a federal crime throughout the country. That is why I am proud to introduce… pic.twitter.com/FRv2O2K5e1
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) January 8, 2024
Mr. Tillis said the legislation will ensure that “radical activists who resort to these reckless and dangerous tactics are held accountable.”
“The emerging tactic of radical protestors blocking roads and stopping commerce is not only obnoxious to innocent commuters, but it’s also dangerous and will eventually get people killed,” he said. “It needs to be a crime throughout the country.”
About 60 demonstrators were arrested for blocking arteries to Los Angeles International Airport and New York’s Kennedy International Airport on Dec. 27, one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Those frustrated with the traffic-clogging activists include New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
“I don’t believe that people should be able to just take over our streets and march in our streets,” Mr. Adams said. “I don’t believe people should be able to take over our bridges. I just don’t believe you can run a city this complex where people can just do whatever they want.”
• This article was based in part on wire-service reports.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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