US Congressman Don Beyer has reaffirmed plans to protest against the proposed construction of President Donald Trump’s 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery, despite a federal judge temporarily halting the project for 14 days.
The Virginia Democrat said the demonstration was not a publicity stunt and that he was prepared to use civil disobedience, including sleeping at the site and being arrested.
Beyer said he would go to Memorial Circle if there were any indication that construction was about to resume, with supporters prepared to maintain a round-the-clock presence. He also warned that they could not relax after dark, claiming the Trump administration had shown it could do “evil things in the middle of the night”.
The proposed arch has drawn criticism because of its planned position just outside Arlington National Cemetery. Opponents say the structure would overshadow the burial ground and interfere with historic views.
Beyer has cited civil rights leaders John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr as examples of how civil disobedience can bring about change. He said the fight was also personal because his parents, grandparents and sister are buried at Arlington.
He has previously said he was willing to be taken away in handcuffs to stop the project, drawing a comparison with actress Jane Fonda’s protest activism. Beyer has also invited Fonda to join him.
For now, he says his preparations are already under way, with a sleeping bag ready if the construction work moves forward.
