Israel-Palestine protest. Photo provided by Hossam el-Hamalawy on Flickr.
On April 15, people created a human barricade to protest the Israel-Palestine war across the Eugene and Springfield intersection on Interstate Five. The Eugene Police Department, Oregon State Police and SWAT Team were present and arrested 52 people for disorderly conduct.
With the 52 people arrested, two people were charged with conspiracy and theft. At least one person is known to be carrying a firearm. Due to congestion on the roads, authorities impounded eight cars.
“Oregon State Police supports an individual’s right to protest and express concerns over world events lawfully. However, today’s actions put Oregon’s motorists in danger as well as the protestors who blocked the roadway.” The Oregon State Police Department said.
The protest concerned A15, a coordinated global economic blockade scheduled for April 15. Many countries such as the United States, France, Italy, Canada, Australia and 14 others participated. Each protest gathered at important points for the specific state’s economic and production needs. In Oregon, I-5 is used often because it runs through California, Oregon and Washington.
Protesters have been actively demanding that countries cease supplying arms to Israel for approximately seven months. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, over 14,000 children and 16,000 Palestinian adults have died in the Gaza Strip. About 70% of those who’ve died are either women or children.
