David, I thought there were two men, as well, initially. But, further observation led me to believe that the "man" on the right is the shadow of the man on the left. And, the man is definitely holding something. And the something isn't very heavy because he seems to be holding it with only one hand at a very awkward angle. I still don't know what's happening for sure, but it may be that the man is raising the far end of the object over the cross piece of the street barricade.