US trucker convoys prompt National Guard deployment in Washington

In USA, scores of truckers began their 11-day trek from California to Washington DC on Wednesday in an effort to protest COVID-19 vaccine and mandates after the cavalcade raised more than $464,000 in donations. The People's Convoy - comprised of more than two dozen 18-wheeler trucks, along with about 50 pickups and recreational vehicles - has called on the federal government to end the National Emergency enacted at the start of the pandemic, arguing the threat posed by the coronavirus has now receded.  The People's Convoy argues the 'government has forgotten its place' and seeks to advocate for all Americans impacted by unconstitutional restrictions. Around 25 separate convoys are expected to join the group in DC. 'This is for our freedoms, our human rights. Enough is enough,' trucker Ron Coleman of Reno, Nevada, said as he prepared to make the 2,500-mile journey.    

In response to the protest, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request from local DC government and the Capitol police to deploy 700 members of the National Guard to the capital city ahead of the convoy's arrival. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said Guardsmen would not be armed, and will not be empowered to arrest people, but would be reporting wrongdoing to local police. Approximately 50 'large tactical vehicles' will also be stationed in the city 24 hours a day.