A group of truck drivers planned a protest around Washington, D.C.’s Capital Beltway to draw attention to economic pressures on their industry and express dissatisfaction with federal political leaders. The event, called “Truckers Ride for the Constitution,” combined complaints about low wages, high diesel prices, fees and regulations with broader concerns about government surveillance, national debt and officials’ adherence to the Constitution. Organizers cast the protest as a defense of a constitutional republic, using language reminiscent of the early Tea Party movement.

The drivers’ industry grievances included Environmental Protection Agency fuel-efficiency standards, state and local anti-idling laws, insurance-related technology requirements and what they viewed as threats to Fourth Amendment protections in their cabs. Their website argued that independent truckers kept commerce flowing while struggling with costs and pay, and that disrupting that flow could pressure lawmakers to respond.

Coordinator Earl Conlon initially described plans for tractor-trailers to circle the Beltway’s inner loop three lanes deep beginning October 11, while leaving one lane open for emergency vehicles. He said supporters displaying an event sticker would be allowed through and suggested that drivers could stop traffic if confronted by police. The extent of any disruption was uncertain: organizers offered varying indications of participation, and a previous trucker protest in 2007 had caused little commuter disruption.

Organizers also differed over their political demands. Zeeda Andrews had spoken of seeking President Barack Obama’s impeachment, while Conlon said he wanted the arrest of officials he accused of violating their oaths. He cited a “citizens’ grand jury” and alleged that Obama and congressional supporters of arming Syrian rebels had committed or aided treason. The article later clarified that truckers were no longer planning to arrest members of Congress.