There is one common demand coming from the participating convoys: end COVID-19 mandates, including mask and vaccine requirements.
A visibly annoyed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis admonished a group of students for wearing face masks at an appearance, saying it was time to stop what he called "this COVID theater."
"Virginia State Police respects the public's First Amendment rights and has been in contact with various groups' organizers to ensure their understanding of Virginia's traffic laws," police said. The DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency sent out a message Thursday to local businesses and faith-based community partners warning them of interruptions due to the protests.
COVID-19 hospitalizations are lower than they've been for most of the past year, with the US is now averaging 55,701 new COVID-19 cases per day, according to Johns Hopkins University, a 26% drop since last week and the lowest cases have been since late July. Most recently in New York, the state has lifted most mask mandates and requirements to show proof of vaccination for indoor activities.