Afternoon protest may target Interstate 5 Bridge

Editor’s note: find live coverage of the Juneteenth march at www.columbian.com/news/2020/jun/19/protesters-gather-in-vancouver-in-anticipation-of-i-5-march.

The Vancouver Police Department has issued a statement warning that a protest planned for downtown Vancouver late this afternoon could cause traffic disruption to Interstate 5 and the Interstate 5 Bridge.

The protest, which follows a days-long string of racial equality demonstrations in Vancouver and Portland, will start at 3:30 p.m. and is set to end at 7:30 p.m.

The Vancouver Police Department and the Washington State Patrol are coordinating to keep protesters and motorists safe, according to the news release.

“Commuters in the area of downtown Vancouver and the I-5 area near the Interstate Bridge (both directions) may want to consider making alternate travel plans or prepare for possible detours or delays while this event is occurring,” the news release stated.

The protest is unsanctioned, according to the news release, and it’s unknown who is organizing the protesters.

Friday is Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the liberation of the slaves in the United States in 1865.

Vancouver Police Department did not immediately respond to The Columbian for comment.

The Columbian will cover the protest on Friday. Follow @wtcampbell and @alishajucevic on Twitter for live coverage.