[This is a developing story. Be sure to check back for updates.]
Members of the so-called “Million Vet March” descended on Washington, D.C., Sunday to protest the Obama administration’s decision to close public memorials.
Thousands of demonstrators arrived early in the morning and tore down barricades that had been erected to block people from visiting some of the city’s most popular attractions, WTOP reports.
The group said military personnel and veterans are “being used a political pawns in the ongoing government shutdown and budget crisis,” according to a statement on its website.
The group also said it has no political leaning, but believes that the closing of memorials is “a despicable act of cowardice.”
Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) spoke to the crowd at around 9:30 am ET and were later joined by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
The crowd energized itself by chanting “Tear down these walls!” and singing, among other things, “God Bless America.”
“Tractor-trailers headed down 17th Street toward the Mall, blaring their horns. The Metropolitan Police Department blocked off the street, prompting the crowd to head up the street, shouting at the police to move their vehicles,” WTOP reports.
“By 11 a.m., the group had headed back to the memorial, and dozens congregated around World War II veterans, shaking their hands and thanking them for their service,” the report adds.
Here’s a livestream of the event:
And here’s a collection of pictures from the event:
