16 Aug 2018 | 12:20 AM UTC
US: Transit union to protest in Washington, DC, August 16 /update 2
Metro transit union workers to protest in Washington, DC, on August 16; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions expected near Metro Center station
Event
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) union workers have planned a "Truth, Unity, and Justice Rally" on Thursday, August 16, in downtown Washington, DC, to denounce WMATA's alleged special treatment of far-right protesters and to call for the resignation of the company's general manager. Participants are expected to gather outside the Metro Center train station at 12:00 (local time). A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near the demonstration site.
Context
On August 12, far-right protesters participating in the "Unite the Right 2" rally were escorted by police onto a reserved WMATA train car traveling to Northern Virginia. In response to criticism, WMATA officials stated that the accommodations were intended to keep protesters and counterprotesters separate, a practice frequently employed during controversial demonstrations in the capital.
Advice
Individuals in Washington, DC, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of any such gatherings.
