Truckers head to Washington as Biden set to deliver first State of Union address

Federal authorities are fencing off the US Capitol to protect President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address as Washington braces for planned trucker protests inspired by demonstrations in Canada.

Biden is scheduled to deliver his first State of the Union speech on Tuesday as his administration is facing multiple domestic and foreign policy challenges, including a soaring inflation rate, a resilient COVID-19 pandemic, and the conflict in Ukraine.

Authorities are beefing up security around the Capitol ahead of the president’s speech before Congress and to "prevent any disruption to the important work of Congress," US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and in conjunction with the United States Secret Service, a plan has been approved to put up the inner-perimeter fence around the Capitol building for the State of the Union Address,” Manger said in a statement.

Temporary fencing had been erected in September ahead of a rally by far-right extremist groups, including the Proud Boys. Fencing, installed after the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, had been fully removed in July.

US truckers plan own ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests following Canada’s model

US truckers are reportedly planning their “Freedom Convoy” protests against what they refer to as “unlawful [COVID-19] mandates” after similar protests in Canada drew international support from anti-vaccine activists.

A group of American truckers embarked on a cross-country journey from California to Washington last week, inspired by protests in Canada against COVID-19 restrictions that paralyzed Ottawa for three weeks.

A "People's Convoy,” comprising more than two dozen 18-wheeler trucks and about 50 pickups and recreational vehicles, set off from Adelanto last Wednesday and is bound for the Beltway, a major highway encircling Washington DC.

Authorities said since last week that they had received reports of truck drivers potentially planning to block roads in major cities in the United States.

“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,” the US Capitol Police said in a statement.  

The truckers are protesting, among other things, the COVID-19 vaccine and mask requirements, which they say infringe on their personal freedoms.

Canadian police use pepper spray, stun grenades in final push to clear capital

The Canadian police use pepper spray and stun grenades in a final push to clear the capital Ottawa, making several arrests.

Law enforcement agencies in Washington have asked the Pentagon for assistance in anticipation of Biden’s State of the Union address and truck convoy protests.

US Defense Secretary Austin Lloyd last week authorized the deployment of 700 unarmed National Guard troops to provide support with traffic control during the upcoming protests.

This would be the first time a law meant to make it easier for Capitol police to request emergency assistance from the National Guard is being put to use in Washington.

The law was introduced following the Capitol insurrection last year.

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