Officials reopened all lanes on the Inner Loop of I-495 late Monday morning after a group of climate change protestors shut down the highway earlier in the day.
All lanes now open on the Inner Loop of I-495 at Exit 30 after a group of climate protestors blocked the highway. @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/jpvzF6Ns0f
— Michael Hernández (@MHernandezTV_) October 10, 2022
Protestors sat in the middle of the highway near Route 29 (Exit 30A – Colesville Road) at approximately 10:30 a.m, causing a five-mile traffic backup
Seven protestors were taken into custody, according to Maryland State Police.
Joseph Kakwitch, a member of the Menominee Indian Reservation, told MyMCM that he participated in the protest so his grandchildren and their grandchildren have a place to live.
Joseph Kakwitch, a member of the Menominee Indian Reservation, tells me why he participated in the protest this morning. @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/jaBIMz1gYu
— Michael Hernández (@MHernandezTV_) October 10, 2022
At approximately 11:30 a.m., authorities said all lanes were reopened.
Montgomery County Council President Gabe Albornoz opened his weekly media briefing by thanking law enforcement officials who helped disperse the protesters. “While climate change is a critical issue facing all of us, these types of demonstrations are completely unacceptable, dangerous, and very disruptive to our community,” Albornoz said.
