TACOMA, Wash. — Protesters blocked access to entrance points at the Port of Tacoma Monday, trying to stop worker access to a military cargo ship.
Tacoma police confirmed that traffic on 11th Street was blocked from Port of Tacoma Road to Milwaukee Way due to the protest through the day. The department said it had officers on scene to "help direct traffic and ensure the continued safety of all community members."
Protesters were picketing the Cape Orlando vessel, which is a cargo ship that is part of the U.S. National Defense Reserve Fleet.
"We have sources that indicate to us that there is military cargo that is going to be put on this ship here," said Wassim Hage with the Arab Resource and Organizing Center. "The idea is to make it almost impossible for the cargo to get loaded."
The Department of Defense released a written statement Monday, stating “The Department of Defense is aware of the incidents in question - and we work closely with interagency partners, to include the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement – as appropriate - to ensure the security and safety of military assets and personnel operating at commercial port facilities."
The DOD confirmed the vessel is "under the operational control of U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command and is supporting the movement of U.S. military cargo," but would not provide further information about specific items being carried or its destination, citing operational security.
The ship was also held up by protesters in Oakland, Calif., after three people chained themselves to a ladder. It was expected to make its next stop in Tacoma before heading for the Middle East.
As of 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the ship remained on site at the Port of Tacoma but protesters had left.
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