14 arrested at Travis Air Force Base protest
More than a dozen protesters were arrested Thursday morning for blocking the gates outside Travis Air Force Base in a demonstration against military support of Israel, according to Fairfield police.
About 150 people showed up early Thursday to protest outside the base, according to Fairfield police. CodePink, one of the activist groups who organized the protest, said in a statement that the protest was held to oppose providing military supplies to Israel.
Since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that started the war between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. has provided Israel with ammunition and warplanes, according to the Associated Press. Hamas’ attack killed 1,200 people and more than 20,600 Palestinians have been killed since, the outlet reported.
CodePink claimed the base is being used to ship U.S. military supplies to Israel. The 60th Air Mobility Wing’s Public Affairs did not directly address questions whether that was true, instead saying in a statement that “Travis AFB conducts a variety of missions in support of national objectives.”
During the demonstration, protesters blocked both the north and south gates into the base, restricting people from moving in and out of the base, according to the 60th Air Mobility Wing. Both CodePink and police said the protesters were warned to clear the roads but refused.
Fairfield police arrested 10 protesters, and the Solano County Sheriff’s Office arrested another four, according to the Police Department. Officials said all 14 protesters were booked into Solano County Jail.
“This act of civil disobedience underscores the growing discontent within the community regarding the base’s activities and its contribution to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East,” CodePink said in a statement. “The coalition calls for a reevaluation of the base’s operations and urges a reexamination of the military support provided to Israel.”