DHS memo states that truckers could try to disrupt Super Bowl or the State of the Union.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, it has been informed that truck drivers protesting vaccination mandates may block major roads in cities over the next few weeks. According to an internal memo obtained by NPR from DHS, the protests could affect the Super Bowl in Los Angeles and the State of the Union address at Washington, D.C. on March 1.
The memo was sent out by the department's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Current and Emerging Threats Center. Although there are no imminent threats of violence, the memo states that the protest could "severely disrupt" traffic and emergency routes, as well as federal government operations.
Canadian protesters block a bridge that is vital to the supply chain, causing automakers even more pain
BUSINESS
Canadian protesters block a bridge that is vital to the supply chain, causing automakers even more pain
According to the memo, the truckers plan to protest in California, then travel across the United States to Washington, D.C., adding more truckers along the way.
NPR was informed by a spokesperson for DHS that "DHS is monitoring reports of a possible convoy that may have been planning to travel to many U.S. cities." "We have not seen any calls for violence in the United States as a result of this convoy. We are working closely with our federal and state partners to continually assess the threat environment, and keep our communities safe. Canadian protesters may join the "Freedom Convoy"
This protest could be similar to the Freedom Convoy protests by truckers in Ontario last month. They block traffic at the U.S.-Canada border. Most recently, they were near Detroit. According to the DHS memo, Canadian police described the incident as a "completely blocked" one of the highways.
To protest COVID restrictions, a truck convoy crosses the country to reach Canada's capital.
WORLD
To protest COVID restrictions, a truck convoy crosses the country to reach Canada's capital.
According to a DHS memo, truckers who participated in these protests in Ottawa could also join the possible gathering in Washington, D.C.
The impact of the protests in Canada has been substantial. Officials, including Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, have called for protesters to flee Ottawa, which is now in a state emergency. The protests have become more violent over time than originally planned.
DHS discovers a route map from LA to D.C. via social media
The memo also notes that DHS officials have been tracking social media posts around the Super Bowl, including ones with the hashtags #ShutDownSuperBowl and #SuperBowlTrafficking. Relevant posts were discovered by law enforcement officials around February 3. They included instructions for how an anonymous trucker convoy might disrupt the Super Bowl's security operations.
Officials discovered a flyer online on Feb. 6 that stated "Shut Down Super Bowl" and details about a "medical liberty demonstration" in the vicinity of SoFi Stadium on February 13. A truck convoy was also mentioned in the flyer.
Screenshots of maps showing directions from Los Angeles to D.C. and recommendations for traveling to Washington and the state capitals were also posted. The memo states that Washington, D.C. law enforcement officers have not noticed an increase in hotel bookings for potential protests.
DHS has committed more than 500 people in support of security measures surrounding the Super Bowl. According to DHS, the Super Bowl is expected to attract around 70,000 people. The protest could be held in Los Angeles at 12 p.m.
