Protesters Block Roads Around Capitol, Park Model Tank in Street

Demonstrations on Capitol Hill Tuesday shut down roads and delayed traffic during the morning rush, U.S. Capitol Police say.

Drivers should expect impromptu road closures and delays beginning about 7 a.m., police said.

Activists with multiple organizations, including ShutDownDC, SPACES In Action, CODEPINK, Arm in Arm Washington DC, Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund, Extinction Rebellion DC, plan to demand congressional action on climate, immigration, racial justice, health care and child care, voting rights and D.C. statehood.

“If we can make sure that we’re building back better for the whole society, for all of America,we can make sure we’re lifting people up,” Ladon Love, executive director of SPACEs in Action, said.

Different blockades focused on different issues. Ladon was participating in one focused on child care, health care and the child tax credit, she said.

One demonstration involved a model tank in the intersection of Independence Ave. and 4th Street SW. Authorities reported the longest closure at that intersection.

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There’s a Codepink tank covered in butterflies & flowers plus a rock band blocking independence Ave & 4th right now 🤷‍♀️ @WTOP @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/4dnpALkxq7

— Vincent Morris (@VincentMorris) December 7, 2021

About 150 people were set to conduct multiple rallies and street blockades featuring brass and go-go bands and large props, organizers of the event said in a news release.

Musicians with drums and brass instruments were seen playing near a banner that said "build back better for our families," a reference to President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion social and climate bill.

Intersections involved in the protest include Pennsylvania Ave. and Constitution Ave. NW, 4th St. and Independence Ave. SW.

Capitol Police cleared some demonstration activity by 8 a.m. The intersection of Independence Ave. and 4th Street SW

Stay with News4 for updates to this developing story.