Demonstrators Block Off 35W Bridge, Protesting Killing Of Hachalu Hundessa

[question everything]

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Late Friday afternoon, a large group of demonstrators blocked off the 35W bridge in Minneapolis, protesting the killing of Ethiopian singer and activist Hachalu Hundessa.

Hundreds of people blocked off the bridge, then exited towards University Avenue, going up to 4th Street. They then marched to Holmes Park, where they appeared to have dispersed.

This wasn’t their first demonstration: on July 1, a group blocked 1-94 in Minneapolis for over an hour.

Hundessa was killed on June 29 in Addis Ababa. His protest songs encouraged the Oromo people to stand up and resist oppression. Hundreds have died in the Oromia region of Ethiopia protesting his death. Hundessa’s death has also inspired the Oromo diaspora and allies abroad to protest.

As of 6:30 p.m. on Friday, State Patrol has reopened 35W in both directions.

https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/07/10/demonstrators-block-off-35w-bridge-protesting-killing-of-hachalu-hundessa/

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I watched it on the 5:00 news. This was in the middle of rush hour. Why do people who may be rushing for a hospital, or visiting a sick relative should be delayed because of some Ethiopian singer?

[Rorey]

1. I agree

I'm not a fan of demonstrators shutting down busy thoroughfares for the very reasons you mentioned, and more.

[dflprincess]

2. It's one thing to do this when it was about the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis

but in this instance, I really don't think they're helping their cause.

[Lulu KC]

3. There is a significant Ethiopian/Oromo population in Minneapolis

https://www.quora.com/Ethiopia-%E1%8A%A2%E1%89%B5%E1%8B%AE%E1%8C%B5%E1%8B%AB-Why-are-there-so-many-Ethiopians-in-Minneapolis-MN

[question everything]

4. Does not justify blockeing a major highway

I'd hate to be traveling at 60 mph and all of a sudden being faced with a group of people strolling there.

And, of course, I'd hate to be driving a woman in labor to the hospital and, again, be forced to stop.

As far as I am concerned they can travel to the nearest Ethiopian consulate and demonstrating there.