Sunday Protesters Once Again Shut Down 195 in Both Directions

For downtown-area commuters, the peak weekend of Art Basel is ending this afternoon much like it began: With 195 shut in both directions by protesters participating in the #shutitdown movement against police violence. The protesters marched from Wynwood onto the highway around 5 p.m. This time, police had apparently already...

By Tim Elfrink

December 7, 2014

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For downtown-area commuters, the peak weekend of Art Basel is ending this afternoon much like it began: With 195 shut in both directions by protesters participating in the #shutitdown movement against police violence.

The protesters marched from Wynwood onto the highway around 5 p.m. This time, police had apparently already blocked off traffic before the protesters arrived.

BREAKING: We've taken the 195 freeway, both directions. NO MORE BUSINESS AS USUAL #shutitdownmiami pic.twitter.com/fY0Gj31uSD
— The Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) December 7, 2014

#Shutitdown Crowd will likely get off highway at north miami ave @WLRN pic.twitter.com/w0vyYOOlB5
— Wilson Sayre (@WilsonSayre) December 7, 2014

Best place to view a sunset in Miami and #ShutItDown for #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/KZVATVMG2K
— Patty D (@padraigcarlisi) December 7, 2014

Crazy how It take less than 200 people to completely shut down such a major highway #Miami #ArtBasel #ICantBreathe pic.twitter.com/ybkdciRupv
— Danny Rivero (@TooMuchMe) December 7, 2014

The protests are fueled by the lack of indictments in the police killings of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Eric Garner in New York, as well as local cases like the death of Israel "Reefa" Hernandez, a teenage graffiti artist, at the hands of Miami Beach police.

The Miami rallies have echoed similar moves in NYC, St. Louis and elsewhere to shut down local highways.

On Friday, traffic snarled for miles in both directions as evening commuters and those trying to get to and from Art Basel events were halted by the action.

Today's protests look to be smaller in number, but no less disruptive to highway traffic.

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Tim Elfrink is a former investigative reporter and managing editor for Miami New Times. He has won the George Polk Award and was a finalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting.

Contact: Tim Elfrink

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Twitter: @timelfrinkmia