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.
See also: Police Brutality Protesters Shut Down 195, March Through Wynwood (Livestream)
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, 2014I support
Keep New Times Free.
#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, 2014The 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.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
