US: Protesters block access to Mount Rushmore ahead of July 4 celebrations

Event

On Friday, July 3, protesters blocked the roadway into Mount Rushmore ahead of July 4 celebrations, which are expected to be hosted by President Donald Trump later in the day. The situation is ongoing with hundreds of protesters using vans, which have purposefully had their tires punctured, to form a roadblock. The National Guard has been deployed at the scene and minor clashes have been reported as police make arrests. The protesters are reportedly from the indigenous Lakota community, who hold the area around Mount Rushmore sacred.

A heightened security presence and localized travel disruptions are likely continue in the area during the near term.  

Advice

Individuals in the US are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities