Truck convoy organizer eyes DC Beltway shutdown

A truck convoy organizer says that his group has plans to shut down the Capital Beltway in the D.C. region this week.

Bob Bolus, who owns a Scranton-based tow truck and truck parts business, said in a Sunday interview that there are plans to block off the Beltway, a local Fox News station reported.

“I’ll give you an analogy of that of a giant boa constrictor,” Bolus said to Fox5. “That basically squeezes you, chokes you and it swallows you, and that’s what we’re going to do D.C.”

The move comes after a trucker blockade in Canada caused massive economic disruptions.

The convoys are in protest of COVID-19 restrictions including mask and vaccine mandates.

Bolus said that he is planning to leave Pennsylvania on Wednesday and then make his way to the Beltway, the news outlet noted.

“We will be along the Beltway where the Beltway will be shut down,” Bolus said, according to Fox News.

Though Blous confirmed to Fox News that the goal of the protest is to block off the major roadway, he said that the demonstrators will not prevent emergency vehicles from passing by.

“There will be a lane open for emergency vehicles, they’ll be able to get in and out and all that,” Bolus reportedly said. “We will not compromise anybody’s safety or health, one way or the other.”

When asked about how the road blockage will affect local commuters, Bolus responded with less sympathy.

“As far as if they can’t get to work, geez that’s too bad,” Fox5 reported.

According to Bolus, hundreds of people expressed interest in carrying out the Beltway shutdown, which he says is intended to last at least a couple of days, the news outlet reported

Multiple other truck convoys are reportedly aiming to block Beltway traffic as well, according to Fox News.

Capitol Police issued a statement on Friday, noting that it was aware of the protesters’ plans and that it would bulk up security as a precaution.

“Law enforcement agencies across the National Capital Region are aware of plans for a series of truck convoys arriving in Washington, DC around the time of the State of the Union. As with any demonstration, the USCP will facilitate lawful First Amendment activity,” Capitol Police said at the time.