Police Detain Climate Activists Blocking Washington Street

Activists calling on President Biden to declare a climate emergency blocked traffic in Washington on Friday morning, January 21; several were detained, footage shows.

Members of the group Declare Emergency staged the protest to challenge Biden and government leaders to “immediately” declare a climate emergency, according to the organization’s website.

Footage taken by Brendan Gutenschwager shows the scene unfolding at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and 13th St on Friday. Police arrived on the scene and detained at least three demonstrators, video shows. Credit: Brendan Gutenschwager via Storyful