Trucker convoy heading to DC from Scranton

SCRANTON, Penn. (WBRE/WHEC) — A convoy of truckers left Scranton, Pennsylvania Wednesday morning, headed to Washington, D.C. in what one trucker called "the first wave"—comprised of more than 100,000 trucks that have signed up so far.

It’s modeled after the Freedom Convoy in Canada.

The trucks include slogans like "We The People", "We Are Invincible" and "Standing Up And Fighting". Truck driver Larry LoSchiavo told WBRE they’re protesting many things, like vaccine mandates, high gas prices and restrictions on the trucking industry.

"This is all about making a statement peacefully, exercising our first amendment rights, free speech," LoSchiavo said. "We won’t use vulgarities or anything like that. It’s all about standing up for our rights."

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved the deployment of around 700 National Guard troops to "provide support at designated traffic posts, provide command and control, and cover sustainment requirements" through March 7.

The convoy is a nationwide effort, but the Pennsylvania departure was set up by Bob Bolus, who owns a truck parts and towing business. He says he has a message for President Joe Biden, who frequently mentions his "working class" Scranton roots.

"You’re an embarrassment." Bolus said. "You’re making a fool out of this country. You’re not a Scrantonian. You may have been born here, Joe. We remember each other as kids. But you’re not a Scrantonian, you’re a Delawarian."

This all comes ahead of the State of the Union address, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1.