Lawsuit Targets Soros-Funded Leftists for Traffic Jam Protests

Motorist sues activists who blocked highway access to Chicago's O'Hare Airport

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A lawsuit has been filed against left-wing activist groups funded by billionaire George Soros, alleging they intentionally staged protests that snarled traffic and caused economic harm to travelers. The case, which is headed to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, was initially dismissed by a district judge who claimed the motorists could have simply exited their vehicles and walked away, despite Illinois laws prohibiting abandoning cars on the highway.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tensions between political activists seeking to disrupt infrastructure to promote their agenda, and the rights of ordinary citizens to freely travel without interference. It raises questions about the limits of civil disobedience and whether organizers of such protests should be held financially liable for the disruptions they cause.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by a traveler named Christopher Manhart, who was trying to catch a flight from Chicago's O'Hare Airport when left-wing activists from the group A15 Action staged a protest on Interstate 190, blocking access to the airport. Similar protests organized by A15 Action and funded by Soros-linked groups also snarled traffic in California, New York, and Washington state. The activists aimed to "block the arteries of capitalism and jam the wheels of production" through their disruptive tactics.

  • Two years ago, the protest on I-190 near O'Hare Airport occurred.
  • The case is headed to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on April 9, 2026.

The players

Christopher Manhart

A traveler trying to catch a flight from Chicago's O'Hare Airport who is suing the left-wing activists for causing him to miss an important business opportunity due to the traffic jam.

A15 Action

A left-wing activist group that staged protests aimed at "blocking the arteries of capitalism and jamming the wheels of production" by snarling traffic in several major cities.

George Soros

A billionaire who has been accused of funding the shadowy network of foundations that provide financial support to groups like A15 Action.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Here, the Court believes the Plaintiff's filings were presented for the improper purpose of harassment.”

— Judge Mary M. Rowland, U.S. District Judge (The Washington Times)

What’s next

The case is headed to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on April 9, 2026, where the judges will decide whether to uphold the district court's dismissal of the lawsuit or allow it to proceed as a class action.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between political activists and the rights of ordinary citizens, as well as the challenges of holding organizers of disruptive protests financially accountable for the harm they cause. The outcome of the appeal could set an important precedent for how the legal system addresses such acts of civil disobedience.