Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the highway leading to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Monday afternoon, blocking all vehicle traffic.
Sea-Tac spokesperson Perry Cooper said protesters began blocking the highway around 3 p.m., and the airport was working with police to disperse the protesters.
Police could be seen leading several handcuffed protesters away, and tow trucks were seen removing vehicles blocking the road. At the same time, travelers were getting out of their cars and walking down the road to the airport, bags rolling behind them.
Around 5 p.m., police ushered the remaining protesters, whose arms were trapped in tubes, off the road as tow trucks prepared to remove the last vehicles blocking the highway.
We recommend using alternative routes such as light rail. The airport garage offers 30 minutes of free parking for passengers to pick up and drop off.
Sound Transit Express bus routes 560 and 574 have been rerouted due to the Sea-Tac demonstration.
Pro-Palestinian protesters also blocked roads in Illinois, California, New York and Oregon on Monday, temporarily blocking access to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and the Golden Gate and Brooklyn bridges. Interstate 5 was closed in Eugene for about 45 minutes.
A rally was also held at the University of Washington light rail station, but it did not disrupt Link service.
In January, protesters calling for a ceasefire shut down northbound Interstate 5 just south of Mercer Street for about five hours, snarling traffic for miles. Seattle Police and Washington State Patrol descended on Interstate 5, but did not physically disperse the group or make any arrests. The State Patrol ultimately filed charges against 12 protesters, but King County prosecutors sent the case back to authorities, saying they could not move forward without additional evidence.
This is a developing story. Please check the latest information.