Protestors attempt to disrupt operations at Raytheon in Portsmouth by blocking entrances

PORTSMOUTH, RI (WLNE) – Members of the Fang collective and other protestors have blocked all vehicle entrances of Raytheon’s Portsmouth facility Thursday morning.

The group says they’re protesting the company’s alleged sales to Saudi Arabia and Israel and their involvement in the enforcing the U.S. Mexican border.

Police say two men strapped themselves to the vehicles that were blocking the entrance. The Portsmouth Fire Department was called to release them after they refused to do so themselves.

The FANG collective describes itself as a community organizing direct action group and is based out of Pawtucket.

Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. It is one of the largest aerospace, intelligence services providers, and defense manufacturers in the world by revenue.

Portsmouth police had officers on scene and rescue routes were rerouted as the protest is creating traffic problems in the area. Tow trucks have also been called to tow the cars blocking the entrances to the facility.

“We respect the right to lawful and peaceful protest,” the company said in a brief emailed statement.