Battle Creek man spends savings to be in 'People's Convoy'

BATTLE CREEK -- "The People's Convoy" is continuing to protest vaccine and mask mandates in Washington, D.C. What started in California last month is now a demonstration that's picked up protestors from across the country, including Nebraska. 

One trucker from Battle Creek is spending his savings to fight what he calls the "unconstitutional emergency declaration." 

Mark Peterson joined "The People's Convoy" on March 1st.

"I have to give credit to my wife for finding it," he said. Among the multiple demonstrations going on, he said, this one stuck out to him for its "religious and peaceful" nature. 

Peterson said the demonstrators are not against vaccines specifically. Rather, he said, they're against mandates that "take away choices for our bodies."

During his trip, Peterson said, people in the communities they passed through brought them care packages, drawings from children, and notes from nurses who have lost their jobs. He also reported there were twice as many cars as trucks in the convoy. He described the atmosphere as being diverse -- with drivers from all political parties and identities, he said.

Some in opposition of the convoy have stated that the demonstrations affect their commutes. District police blocked a key interstate highway ramp Tuesday to divert the protesting truckers away from downtown, while officials raised safety concerns in a letter to Police Chief Robert J. Contee III.

But Peterson is still in D.C., where he plans to stay until his household funds run out.

"I believe that the emergency declaration dumbfounds people. It is out there, and it is taking away your freedoms," Peterson said. 

In the meantime, his family members back home in Nebraska are watching him on live streams.