A large group of individuals expressing support for the Muslim community and displaying opposition towards Israel disrupted the flow of traffic on both lanes of Interstate 40, which spans across the Mississippi River in Memphis. This resulted in a significant traffic congestion, leaving numerous drivers from Arkansas and Tennessee stranded on the interstate and bridge for an extended period of time.
During their march from City Hall in downtown Memphis to the bridge on-ramps, the group vocalized the phrase “Allahu Akbar” and carried flags representing Palestine. Additionally, they chanted the slogan “From the river to the sea…”
“Absolutely disgrace but typical weak Memphis,” said one KWAM News Radio listener. “I was coming home from the Tigers game back to Arkansas and we got caught in this. There is NO reason to let these people get away with doing this! I am so disgusted by Memphis and so sick of this continued rot!”
While enjoying his afternoon run in downtown, KWAM News Radio reporter Ben Deeter noticed a gathering mob at City Hall. Intrigued, he decided to follow the protesters as they marched towards the bridge.
According to Deeter, law enforcement made no attempt to prevent the protesters from accessing the bridge ramps.
At precisely 3:10 p.m. central time, Memphis Police received multiple calls regarding a disturbance on the bridge. The protesters had effectively blocked traffic in both east and westbound directions. To exacerbate the situation, the only alternative bridge across the river had been closed for maintenance.
Meanwhile, KWAM News Radio host Earle Farrell found himself stranded on the Arkansas side of the bridge after returning from a fishing trip.
“There are 5,000 motorists who are ready to physically remove them from the bridge,” Farrell said during the radio station’s live coverage.
The bridge was cleared with the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and it was reopened to traffic late in the evening.
“There were no arrests made today in connection with the protest,” the police said in a statement.
The public expressed their fury and insisted on uncovering the identity of the individuals responsible for instructing the authorities not to apprehend the domestic terrorists who ensnared innocent drivers on the highway.
“Amazing. Who is in charge of Memphis? I imagine they knew ahead of time so they just removed themselves ….. cowardly move. Unprofessional. Pure Memphis way,” said one KWAM listener.
“Mayor Paul Young clearly demonstrates his lack of leadership skills as well as his lack of courage,” another listener said. “He’s off to a great start!”
HAPPENING NOW: Pro-Palestinian protesters have complete shut down traffic coming in and out of #Memphis. @Mighty990KWAM pic.twitter.com/dEfFRBZ3H9
— Ben Deeter (@benpdeeter) February 3, 2024
