Protesters shut down the northbound lanes of I-880 early this morning in Oakland near 5th Avenue as part of what organizers are calling a global action to block “major choke points in the economy.”
CHP issued an alert at 6:50 a.m. notifying drivers that part of I-880 was obstructed. On social media, videos and photos show some protesters sitting in the freeway lanes with their arms locked to metal barrels, completely obstructing the road. A banner hung on on a fence nearby states that the protest is part of the April 15 day of action to create an “economic blockade.”
Around 8 a.m., another group of protesters shut down traffic at another location on I-880 near the Broadway exit in downtown Oakland, according to reports.
A website that appears to be linked to the protest states that the disruption is happening across the world. “[I]n each city, we will identify and blockade major choke points in the economy, focusing on points of production and circulation with the aim of causing the most economic impact,” the website states.
A press release from the protest organizers states that there are protests in 56 cities across the world today.
There are also reports of disruptions at West Oakland BART. AC Transit tweeted this morning that some of its bus stops are blocked by protesters. Protesters say they’ve encouraged thousands to gather this morning at West Oakland BART and that there will be other direct actions at Tesla in Fremont and the Warm Springs BART station later today.
CHP appears to be trying to help drivers exit the freeway and the police are reportedly trying to remove the protesters from the barrel devices.
There’s also a reported protest on the Golden Gate Bridge in the southbound lanes.
Today’s protests are the latest mobilizations seeking an end to the war in Gaza. On Nov. 3, anti-war protesters attempted to prevent a ship hauling military supplies to Israel from leaving the Port of Oakland. Two weeks later, a group led by Jewish community members occupied Oakland’s federal building to demand a ceasefire. Two days later, pro-Palestinian activists blockaded the Bay Bridge during the APEC summit.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
