US truckers plan to 'squeeze' DC this week with Freedom Convoy



"Freedom Convoy" protesters are expected to congregate in Washington, D.C., this week as U.S. truckers opposed to President Joe Biden's federal vaccine mandates seek to emulate their Canadian brethren.

Bob Bolus, an organizer of one of the convoys, told local D.C. media that the plan is to "squeeze" the nation's capital like a "boa constrictor" and shut down the city.

"We will be along the Beltway where the Beltway will be shut down," he told WTTG-TV.

Bolus owns a truck parts and towing business in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He said he plans to leave for D.C. on Wednesday morning and head to the Capital Beltway.

There he hopes to join other trucker convoys that are making their way to D.C. this week like "The People's Convoy," which will leave from California on Wednesday.

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

Bolus told WTTG he's unsure how many truckers will join him but said he's heard interest from hundreds of people.

NEW: an organizer of one of the #TruckersForFreedom convoys says the plan is not to park in DC, but to shut down the Beltway.\n\nBob Bolus says he plans to leave PA on Wed & circle DC: \u201cI\u2019ll give you an analogy of that of a giant boa constrictor.\u201d @fox5dcpic.twitter.com/BKkisxUpLD
— Lindsay Watts (@Lindsay Watts) 1645400212

The California convoy is being organized by Marueen Steele, who told Newsweek that some 1,000 truckers will begin the trip east on Feb. 23. She said more will join the convoy as they cross the nation in a movement to "restore our nation's constitution."

Steele said that the convoy will begin in Barstow, California, and then head east along Interstate 40, but she would not disclose the specific location for security.

"The Canadian convoy was pretty organic when it happened," she said. "Ours, they had a month's notice, so our concern is disruptive groups coming in. We're trying to just prepare for counter-protests and to take safety precautions for that."

A declaration on the People's Convoy website demands the immediate end to the declaration of a national emergency concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

"To our elected officials that believe they rule us: YOU work for US. Our constitution was written to provide enough power to act on a national level, but not enough to deprive the people of fundamental rights," the website states. "The people are prepared to see this challenge through — as we have seen through all challenges to our Freedom in the past. And we will prevail and prosper."

Washington's Metropolitan Police Department said it is aware of the upcoming protests and intends to deploy 500 civil disturbance units from Feb. 23 to March 1 in anticipation of the demonstrations, WTTG reported.

"There will be disruptions to traffic, that kind of thing," Police Chief Robert Contee said Friday. "I think we need to be very candid with the public about some of the expectations based upon what we've seen in Ottawa."

Canada's "Freedom Convoy" protests converged in downtown Ottawa on Jan. 28 and remained in the capital city for three weeks demanding an end to the government's requirements that truckers crossing the U.S. border be fully vaccinated. Other protesters formed blockades at various border crossings between the U.S. and Canada, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared were illegal.

Police acted to disperse the last of the blockades last week. The remaining protesters in Ottawa were cleared out by police forces over the weekend after Trudeau invoked emergency powers to give police greater authority to issue fines and make arrests. Financial institutions were also given permission by the Canadian government to freeze protesters' accounts without a court order.

According to the Ottawa Citizen, a total of 191 protesters were arrested and 57 vehicles were towed since police took action on Friday.

Republican leaders commit to investigating GoFundMe because the company took down the Freedom Convoy's fundraiser



Prominent GOP officials throughout the country are committed to investigating actions taken by GoFundMe in dissolving the fundraiser for Canadian truckers in the Freedom Convoy and refusing to distribute funds raised on their behalf.

The widely popular fundraiser generated several million dollars for the anti-vaccine mandate protesters before GoFundMe shut it down and refused to pay out the donations.

Newsweek reported that “The fundraising effort had raised C$10 million — around $7.9 million — and C$1 million had already been distributed to the organizers of the so-called Freedom Convoy before GoFundMe took the decision to stop the fundraiser. GoFundMe initially announced on Friday it would refund contributions to anyone who applied and the remaining funds would be distributed to charities chosen by the Freedom Convoy organizers and verified by the crowdfunding site.”

However, after intense backlash, GoFundMe changed course and opted to refund all donations made to the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraiser.

To simplify the process for our users, we will be refunding all donations to the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraiser. This refund will happen automatically\u2014you do not need to submit a request. Donors can expect to see refunds within 7-10 business days.
— GoFundMe (@GoFundMe) 1644047784

GoFundMe shutdown the convoy’s saying that it no longer could be considered a peaceful protest.

“We now have evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity,” GoFundMe wrote, “Following a review of relevant facts and multiple discussions with local law enforcement and city officials, this fundraiser is now in violation of our Terms of Service … and has been removed from the platform.”

The Ottawa Police advocated for all crowdfunding websites to prevent the Freedom Convoy from fundraising.

We want to thank @gofundme for listening to our concerns as a City and a police service. The decision to withhold funding for these unlawful demonstrations is an important step and we call on all crowdfunding sites to follow.
— Ottawa Police (@Ottawa Police) 1644020207

Saturday morning, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he will work alongside Florida’s Attorney General to investigate GoFundMe and its deceptive practices. Governor DeSantis labeled the company’s tactics as “fraud.”

It is a fraud for @gofundme to commandeer $9M in donations sent to support truckers and give it to causes of their own choosing. \n\nI will work with @AGAshleyMoody to investigate these deceptive practices \u2014 these donors should be given a refund.
— Ron DeSantis (@Ron DeSantis) 1644073468

The Attorneys General of several states including West Virginia, Louisiana, and Ohio matched Governor DeSantis’ righteous indignation and made clear that they intend to hold GoFundMe accountable for any potentially illegal acts they committed by terminating the Freedom Convoy’s fundraiser.

Patrick Morrisey, the Attorney General of West Virginia, told his constituents that if they were victimized to let his office know.

#GoFundMe now won\u2019t honor #FreedomConvoy donations and will instead redirect to other charities? \n\nIn WV, organizations must not deceive donors and engage in deceptive advertising practices. \n\nIf you\u2019ve been victimized by a deceptive act or practice, let us know!
— Patrick Morrisey (@Patrick Morrisey) 1644033328

Louisiana’s Attorney General Eric Schmitt said that GoFundMe’s actions were “totally unacceptable” and that he would be “investigating” the company's “deceptive practices.”

It\u2019s totally unacceptable for @gofundme to siphon over $9M in donations sent to support #TruckersForFreedom2020 & funnel it to causes it supports.\n\nI will be investigating these deceptive practices. Donors should be given a refund.#TruckersConvoy2022 #TruckersForFreedom
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric Schmitt) 1644080262

And, Dave Yost, the Attorney General of Ohio, said that while refunding every donation was the “right thing to do” he still wanted to hear from Ohioans who gave to the Freedom Convoy.

In the last few minutes, #GoFundMe tweeted that they will refund all donations to #FreedomConvoy automatically.\n\nThat\u2019s the right thing to do, but it is not the end of the story. I still want to hear from you if you donated.\n\nThis needs to not happen again!
— Attorney General Dave Yost (@Attorney General Dave Yost) 1644071030

It’s worth noting that in the Sumner of 2020, GoFundMe amplified fundraising attempts for people involved in the CHAZ/CHOP movement in downtown Seattle, Washington.

GoFundMe found the Freedom Convoy to be a violent movement worthy of suppression, but it deemed a violent secessionist movement that was a hotbed for rape and murder a worthy cause.

In a community with no police, this farmer is feeding people & bringing them closer together.\n\nLearn how you can support Marcus' mission within the CHOP: https://gfme.co/chop-farmer\u00a0https://twitter.com/Quicktake/status/1273971946858913793\u00a0\u2026
— GoFundMe (@GoFundMe) 1593714914

GoFundMe’s message is clear. They, like countless other Western corporations, will advance the causes of violent leftists while actively working to suppress peaceful, patriotic movements.

Video: Massive trucker protest takes over Ottawa. Justin Trudeau reportedly moved to secret location ahead of 'Freedom Convoy' rally.



Truckers and protesters showed up in huge numbers as the Freedom Convoy descended upon Ottawa, Ontario. Despite subzero windchill temperatures on Saturday, Canadians mounted a large protest against vaccine mandates. Massive crowds peacefully protested against government overreach near Parliament Hill.

Truckers were protesting an order that went into effect on Jan. 15, requiring unvaccinated Canadian truckers re-entering the country from the U.S. to get tested for COVID-19 and quarantine themselves. There was reportedly a convoy of up to 50,000 Canadian truck drivers who traveled to Canada's capital to protest the vaccine mandates.

The CBC reported that Trudeau left Rideau Cottage early Saturday for security reasons, and was transported to a secret location with his family.

Trudeau's press secretary Ann-Clara Vaillancourt responded, "The Prime Minister is continuing to isolate in the National Capital Region & work remotely. We’ve consulted Ottawa Public Health on appropriate protocols. As always, we do not comment on security matters."

Last week, Trudeau called the trucker convoy a "small fringe minority of people" who are "holding unacceptable views that they are expressing do not represent the views of Canadians who have been there for each other."

There were thousands of protesters, many waving Canadian flags and some were holding signs expressing contempt toward Trudeau.

Incredible scenes in Ottawa, where tens of thousands have gathered to protest for an end to COVID lies and mandates.pic.twitter.com/ioH2TM5Y4o
— Michael P Senger (@Michael P Senger) 1643487446
Ottawa today\u2026 Wow! pic.twitter.com/kyomLmCw66
— Aaron Ginn (@Aaron Ginn) 1643493575
This is the scene in Ottawa as the Trucker Freedom Convoy makes their arrival.\n\nJustin Trudeau has left Canada\u2019s capital city.\n\nSo much for \u201csmall fringe minority\u201d.pic.twitter.com/uHe5KRBEaX
— Benny (@Benny) 1643487569
Canada isn\u2019t going to take more lockdowns and COVID restrictions.\n\nOttawa todaypic.twitter.com/48V0ib862O
— Aaron Ginn (@Aaron Ginn) 1643528993

Content Warning: Explicit language:

The scene in Ottawa. I get the impression people here don\u2019t like Trudeau. \n\n#freedomconvoy22pic.twitter.com/1Re5RYkMRD
— Beth Baisch \ud83d\udcf8 (@Beth Baisch \ud83d\udcf8) 1643469301

There were reportedly volunteers handing out food and coffee to the protesters as well as people giving truckers gift cards.

A \u201csmall fringe minority\u201d of Canadians with \u201cunacceptable views\u201d in Vankleek Hill, Ont. prepared supplies and food for truckers \u2013 including amenities for dogs who are part of the convoy. #TruckersforFreedom #cdnpolipic.twitter.com/VhvhjbDxgp
— True North (@True North) 1643471970
Coffees, pocket warmers, Tim Hortons gift cards, and homemade goods brought from all across Canada are among the things being disturbed to the truckers.\n\nThe truckers say they are here to stay and not leaving until segregation is abolished. \n\nCheck out http://ConvoyReports.com\u00a0pic.twitter.com/i8P6YtCvmY
— Mocha Bezirgan (@Mocha Bezirgan) 1643489650

Local authorities were forced to ask for backup from nearby communities as the crowds swelling in Ottawa. Gridlock from the rally caused Ottawa's downtown core to come to a complete standstill, and police said there was no more room for vehicles.

It\u2019s like Canada Day in January. Maybe bigger. #TruckersConvoy2022pic.twitter.com/VCWTVJonBP
— Rupa Subramanya (@Rupa Subramanya) 1643478584

One trucker explained that it isn't about the vaccine, it's about "choice," "freedom," and "liberty."

"We are all together. We are all Canadians. We are all truckers," he said.

This man is a trucker and a Canadian #FreedomConvoy2022 #CHOICE #CanadaTruckers #stopvaccinemandatespic.twitter.com/GDB8em2ujs
— \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 Michelle Lindsay (@\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 Michelle Lindsay) 1643494612

Rebel News founder Ezra Levant gave a speech at the Freedom Convoy rally.

I was invited by the truckers to give a short speech. Here\u2019s what I said:pic.twitter.com/ZYclZwDBtH
— Ezra Levant \ud83c\udf41 (@Ezra Levant \ud83c\udf41) 1643491994

The protest continued into the night with fireworks and a party-like atmosphere.

Canadians celebrating the next official holiday on Parliament Hill: Jan 29th, Freedom Day. \n\nLes Canadiens c\u00e9l\u00e8brent la prochaine f\u00eate nationale officielle sur la Colline Parlementaire: le jour de la Libert\u00e9! \n\n@RebelNews_QC\n\n#TruckOffTrudeau\nJust a fringe minority, right?!pic.twitter.com/Xaa8l7LtWc
— Maxim Boivin (@Maxim Boivin) 1643505718
CANADA : les feux d\u2019artifice et les klaxons ont accompagn\u00e9 les manifestants \u00e0 #Ottawa cette nuit. \n\n()@News24Wide\u2069 #CanadaTruckers #TruckersForFreedom2022 #Trudeaupic.twitter.com/qMTdBRVfre
— Actualiste (@Actualiste) 1643539947
Ottawa's protest has turned into a full-on rave out in front of parliament tonight.\n\nI will remind you, it's -20\u00b0C (-4\u00b0F)\n\nAnd in the middle of the night, the party just keeps going \u2014 trucks included.\n\nhttp://ConvoyReports.com\u00a0pic.twitter.com/q6EQfLzwRi
— Dakota Christensen (@Dakota Christensen) 1643518924

Some truckers said they plan on continuing their protest against the vaccine mandates, and will sleep in the cabs of their trucks.

In a letter to the truckers, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe pledged to end proof of vaccination policies in the province.

"My government supports your call to end the cross border ban on unvaccinated truckers," Moe said in the statement released on Saturday. "And it is why, in the not too-distant future, our government will be ending our proof of negative test/proof of vaccination policy in Saskatchewan."

Russell Brand, Don Cherry, Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, and Elon Musk have voiced their support of the "Freedom Convoy."

During a rally in Texas on Saturday night, former President Donald Trump delivered an endorsement of the Canadian truckers.

"We want those great Canadian truckers to know that we are with them all the way," Trump said. "They are doing more to defend American freedom than our leaders by far."