On Saturday afternoon, Florida police were forced to take action after three individuals blocked traffic on Interstate 4 near Walt Disney World. The incident took place around 4:30 PM, and the three women were identified as 26-year-old Isabella Giannosa, 24-year-old My Truong, and 24-year-old Jenni Nguyen. Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene after receiving reports of three people holding “Free Palestine” signs while obstructing the westbound lanes of the interstate. The women were arrested and taken to the Orange County Jail, where they were charged with misdemeanor refusal to obey a police officer.
Upon arriving at the scene, police found the three women standing in the middle of the westbound ramp lanes near Disney Springs. They were all wearing facial coverings and holding pro-Palestinian banners, with one banner featuring a Mickey Mouse emblem between the words “Free Palestine.” The second banner read “Lookup NAKBA 1948,” referring to the expulsion of Palestine natives during Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948. As drivers grew agitated and began honking their horns, the protesters shouted “Free Palestine” and other chants while blocking traffic.
A quick recap of today’s Free Palestine traffic blocking protest at Exit 67 on westbound I-4 in Orlando heading into Walt Disney World, starting with my own video of the encounter:@AsherWildman13 @PaolaTArruda @Nicolleos13 @DeskNews6 @BillMelugin_ @WillieJMontague @FLVoiceNews pic.twitter.com/7KCXLZLKd3
— Jarrett Cathcart (@jarrettcathcart) May 12, 2024
According to reports, the women had parked two vehicles on the ramp to the interstate, which were subsequently towed away from the scene. The incident caused significant disruptions, with drivers having to navigate through the grass to get around the protesters. Video footage of the incident shows the three women standing in the middle of the road, holding their signs, and shouting as cars try to pass. The police were forced to take action due to the safety concerns and the disruption caused by the protesters.
It was not the only incident related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict that day. Earlier in the day, Orlando Police arrested two individuals at a demonstration at Lake Eola Park. According to police reports, the individuals were arrested for battery of a law enforcement officer. The demonstration at Lake Eola Park had drawn around 1,200 people, and although most demonstrated peacefully, some individuals in the crowd became disruptive and were dispersed by officers using a chemical agent. Orlando Police released a statement saying that while most of the demonstrators were peaceful, two arrests were made.
The protests at Lake Eola Park and on Interstate 4 were a response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Tensions have been high in the region, with a recent escalation in violence leading to the death of dozens of people, including civilians. The Israel-Palestine conflict has been ongoing for decades, with the recent violence being sparked by tensions over the eviction of Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem. The conflict has led to worldwide protests and reactions, with some supporting Israel and others supporting Palestine.
Queers For Palestine blocked the exit leading to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
I’ve said for awhile that I thought these protests are causing the exact opposite of their intended effects. I think most Americans are against funding Israels war. But I also think most… pic.twitter.com/1JV9ajlY79
— Cinema Shogun (@CinemaShogun) May 12, 2024
Israel maintains that the recent violence is a response to rocket attacks from Hamas, the militant group that governs the Gaza Strip. They have also claimed that their military actions are aimed at targeting Hamas militants and their infrastructure. However, international organizations have denounced the use of violence against civilians, and there have been calls for a ceasefire. The United Nations Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the situation, but no concrete action was taken. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides maintaining their positions, and civilians caught in the crossfire.
The incidents on Saturday in Florida serve as a reminder of how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East can have repercussions in other parts of the world. While individuals have the right to peaceful protest, blocking traffic and disrupting public spaces can lead to dangerous situations and is not a productive means of displaying one’s views. As the conflict continues, it is essential to find peaceful solutions and engage in constructive dialogue to bring an end to the violence and promote peace in the region.
