Huge 'Dakota Access Pipeline' Protest Planned for Lower Manhattan

UPDATE, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.: Sure enough, thousands showed up — and the cops were there to greet them. Real-time updates here.

LOWER MANHATTAN, NY — Thousands of New Yorkers have signed up online for a local protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline — which would carry crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois and cross through Native American territory — this Tuesday afternoon from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Foley Square.

The #NoDAPL movement, as it's called, has gained significant steam over the past few weeks, even as the nation has been distracted by 2016's record-settingly weird and awful presidential election.

Dakota Access Pipeline protestors are calling on both President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump to use their executive powers to permanently halt construction of the pipeline, which is currently on a fast-track to be completed by January 2017.

They're demanding that the U.S. government honor pre-existing treaties with Native American tribes in the area, and that federal officials open an investigation into human-rights violations at Standing Rock, the reservation near the pipeline.

Tuesday's protest in NYC will begin with an opening ceremony at the southern end of Thomas Paine Park (bordering Foley Square) at 4 p.m., according to organizers. The ceremony will feature speeches, performances and a "brief on-site action training" for attendees.

The protest itself, which organizers warn will include "civil disobedience," is scheduled to get underway by 5 p.m.

Among the day's speakers: Tara Houska, Standing Rock spokesperson and former Bernie Sanders presidential campaign Indigenous liaison; Roberto Mukaro Borrero, of the United Confederation of Taino People; and Crystal Migwans, of NYC Stands with Standing Rock. More info here.

Lead photo of Foley Park via Jim.henderson/Wikimedia Commons