Virginia State Police and Virginia Department of Transportation workers successfully cleared out pro-Palestinian protesters who had been camping outside of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s home for six months. The removal of the encampment led to Chain Bridge Road being closed for several hours, with only two protesters present at the time of the removal. Matthew Waterman, one of the protesters, was rousted out of his tent where he had been sleeping and believes the decision to clear them out was political.
VDOT declared the encampment illegal earlier in the week due to safety concerns for motorists. The protesters, who referred to their encampment as “Kibbutz Blinken,” stated that there had been no security or safety risks to participants or motorists during their 183-day presence. Officials threatened to arrest Waterman and ordered him to leave the location.
By 11:30 a.m., the road had reopened, and Virginia State troopers were stationed at the site to prevent any further trespassing. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the impact it has on individuals engaging in peaceful protests. News4 will continue to provide updates on this developing situation. Readers can sign up to receive breaking news alerts via email for the latest updates.
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