Trucker convoy protesting COVID-19 restrictions plans to circle DC Beltway Sunday

A spokesman for the People's Convoy told WTOP that they plan to circumnavigate the Beltway on Sunday.

A Facebook page for the group says they will meet at Mike Landis' drop deck trailer on Sunday at 8 a.m., but does not specify a departure time.

People's convoy spokeswoman Lynn Christensen said plans have not been finalized, but the convoy plans to drive around DC.

"People's Convoy plans to encircle the Beltway [Sunday] and is working with local and state law enforcement to find the best time to travel," Christensen said in a message to WTOP.

The convoy had said it would head to DC on Saturday, but the group stayed overnight in Hagerstown, Maryland.

According to a news release, Virginia State Police is monitoring the potential impact of the convoy on traffic with the help of local, state and federal partners.

The agency said it has spoken with protest leaders and if the convoy does enter the area, drivers will see an increased presence of Virginia Troopers and the state's motor carrier safety teams to ease traffic.

"The Virginia State Police respects the public's First Amendment rights and has been in contact with organizers from various groups to ensure their understanding of Virginia traffic laws," the news release said. "These communications have enabled us to share our expectations regarding how traffic flows safely and efficiently on Virginia highways, particularly in the case of emergencies and for first responders."

A spokesman for the convoy said plans are fluid and more information will be available in response to the Washington Post report on Sunday.

The trucked convoy was estimated to contain hundreds of vehicles, ranging from semi to standard sized cars. They will travel from their initial rally site in Hagerstown, Maryland, but have not confirmed a second rally site or any other information at this time.

The convoy is said to be the primary opposition to the mask mandate and other COVID-19 regulations. Most of those mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in recent weeks.

This is a developing story. WTOP for the latest on your commute and stay tuned to 8 with Traffic & Weather. WTOP's Jessica Kronzer and Matt Small contributed to this report.

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