The U.S. trucker convoy protesting COVID-19 mandates is expected to head to Washington, D.C. after stopping in Maryland for a demonstration.

On Saturday, a convoy of 18-wheelers along with supporters on foot was seen in Hagerstown, Maryland. The group, which was made up of about 1,000 vehicles, appeared to stretch about three miles.

While the People’s Convoy is expected to make its way to D.C., it is unclear when they will arrive. The convoy initially planned to head to the Capital Beltway on Saturday. However, a spokesperson revealed they will remain in Maryland for another night.

Protester Cory Polanek told a local outlet, “I want the government to know that this is not OK.”

Last week, the People’s Convoy released a statement in which it claimed the trip, which left Adelanto, California, on Feb. 22 to trek to Washington, D.C., is a demonstration to “end the State of Emergency that led to overreaching mandates.”

The organization insisted the convoy would be “a peaceful and unified transcontinental movement.”

Despite concerns from the Department of Homeland Security that the truckers’ convoy would cause traffic issues over the weekend, organizers claim they have no plans to shut down the Beltway or other roads.

Meanwhile, organizer Mike Landis suggested plans for the convoy are subject to change. “We’re going to keep annoying D.C. … Just make them wonder a little bit,” he said. “Look, we’re truck drivers; we’re very spontaneous.”

Local law enforcement agencies are aware of the plan for the trucker convoy to eventually make its way to Washington and are prepared for the arrival.

An estimated 700 National Guard troops, around 400 from D.C. and about 300 from outside of the area, were dispatched to “provide support at designated traffic posts, provide command and control, and cover sustainment requirements.”

The protest comes as many states have taken measures to relax COVID-19 mandates as cases have dropped across the country.

Vehicles are parked as part of a rally at Hagerstown Speedway, after some of them arrived as part of a convoy that traveled across the country to protest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related mandates and other issues, in Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S., Marc
Vehicles are parked as part of a rally at Hagerstown Speedway, after some of them arrived as part of a convoy that traveled across the country to protest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related mandates and other issues, in Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S., March 5, 2022. Reuters / STEPHANIE KEITH
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