COVID-19 protests in the United States
Anti-lockdown protests at the Ohio Statehouse on April 18 and 20
Montage of anti-lockdown protests
DateApril 15, 2020 – December 25, 2021
(1 year, 8 months, 1 week and 4 days)
Location
Caused byGovernment-imposed lockdowns
MethodsProtests, demonstrations
StatusConcluded

Beginning in early April 2020, there were protests in several U.S. states against government-imposed lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[1][2] The protests, mostly organized by conservative groups and individuals,[3][4] decried the economic and social impact of stay-at-home orders, business closures, and restricted personal movement and association, and demanded that their respective states be "re-opened" for normal business and personal activity.[5]

The protests made international news[6][7] and were widely condemned as unsafe and ill-advised,[8] although some political figures expressed support for the protests.[9][10] They ranged in size from a few hundred people to a few thousand, and spread on social media with encouragement from former U.S. President Donald Trump.[9]

By May 1, 2020, there had been demonstrations in more than half of the states; many governors began to take steps to lift the restrictions as daily new infections began decreasing due to social distancing measures.[11]

Background

The Anti-lockdown protests were first spawned with a nationwide call in mid-March by an online Facebook page by the name of "American Revolution 2.0" and a meme that went viral. The page quickly grew to 100,000+ users in less than a week and then was removed from Facebook for violations of terms of service. The group then setup 53 Facebook groups named "AR2" to run protests at the capitol of every state (plus Los Angeles and Chicago). This page and the many groups were led by Naperville, IL native Josh Ellis. On April 30, 2020, at 11pm CST all 53 groups were deleted simultaneously from Facebook for violating terms and conditions. Due to the widespread notoriety and media coverage of the May 1 planned protest many other groups started smaller protests prior to the date.[12]

One of the first protests to take place was in Michigan on April 15, 2020. It was organized via a Facebook group called "Operation Gridlock", which was created by the Michigan Conservative Coalition. A spokesman for the Michigan Conservative Coalition encouraged groups in other states to copy the Operation Gridlock wording and templates. Protesters in numerous other states said they were inspired by Michigan, and they used Michigan's material on their own websites, Facebook groups, and Reddit pages to promote their protests. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer falsely claimed that the Michigan Freedom Fund was a party to this event and that it is funded in part by the DeVos family, but a spokesman said the family had nothing to do with the protests.[13]

The Trump campaign declined to answer whether it was directly involved with organizing the protest in Michigan, but key protest organizers who did identify themselves were Meshawn Maddock, the wife of Republican state representative Matt Maddock and a member of the national advisory board for Women for Trump, and Marian Sheridan, who serves as a vice chair on the Michigan Republican Party, both founding members of Michigan Conservative Coalition.[3][14] The protest in Washington State was organized by a county Republican Party, and speakers included three Republican state legislators.[15] FreedomWorks, a conservative advocacy group associated with the Tea Party movement, published a "#ReOpenAmerica Planning Guide".[16]

Protesters opposed the shelter-in-place orders in their states for various reasons. Many said they want businesses reopened so they can go back to work. Many others displayed pro-Trump banners, signs, and MAGA hats.[17] Still others insisted the lockdowns were a violation of their constitutional rights. One militia leader told a reporter, "Re-open my state or we will re-open it ourselves."[18] The anger driving the protests was called "both real and manufactured", with conservative groups engaging in astroturfing via centralized organization backed by anonymous donors.[19][20]

The reopen protests have generally been small, with protester numbers ranging from a few dozen to the low hundreds; the first protest in Michigan drew twenty thousand protestors, as estimated by the state police.[21] Protesters included mainstream Republicans,[22] but also far-right groups including Proud Boys and armed militia movement supporters.[4] A large number of "anti-vax" advocates have attended, and some have been the organizers of local protests.[23][24] Ben, Chris and Aaron Dorr, three guns-rights activist brothers, are the organizers of protests in several midwestern states.[25][26]

Historians have noted that the protests are similar to those who grew tired of restrictions from the 1918 pandemic.[27]

After the murder of George Floyd on May 25, many of the Facebook groups created to organize protests over COVID-19 expanded their focus to attack the protests organized by Black Lives Matter[28]

By state

Midwest

Illinois

On May 1, thousands of anti-lockdown protesters displaying the Confederate Flag, a sign written in German that read "work will set you free", Nazi symbols[29] and signs with slogans like "Give me liberty or give me COVID-19" gathered for a "Re-open Illinois" rally in Springfield organized by "American Revolution 2.0." Protesters and counter-protesters met in Chicago and Springfield where two arrests were made for disorderly conduct.[30][31][32]

Indiana

Approximately 250 people gathered in front of the Governor's Mansion in Indianapolis on April 18, 2020, to protest Governor Eric Holcomb's stay at home order.[33] The protesters did not follow social distancing guidelines, although some wore face masks. The protesters called for the governor to appear and explain himself, and said they were willing to be arrested if necessary.[34]

Michigan

Yard signs for anti-lockdown organization Stand Up Michigan and its petition drive, Unlock Michigan, in Twin Lake, Michigan on August 1, 2020.

Michigan was the site of the largest of the "re-open" protests. The first confirmed case of coronavirus was recognized in Michigan on March 10, 2020.[35][36] On April 15, the day of the protest, Michigan had at least 28,059 confirmed cases—the third highest number of cases in the United States—and 1,921 deaths had been attributed to the disease in the state.[37] Metropolitan Detroit had been pronounced a "hot spot".[38] Initial state actions to limit spread of the virus included closure of all K-12 schools, closure of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people.[39] On March 24 a statewide stay-at-home order was issued which limited non-essential travel and ordered all non-essential business services and operations to close.[40] The order was extended in early April with additional restrictions included.[41][42]

On April 15, 2020, as estimated by the state police, 20,000 people took part in a protest they called "Operation Gridlock" in the area surrounding the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.[43] Most protestors remained in their vehicles, jamming the streets around the capitol building, although around 150 protested on the capitol lawn.[21] The protest lasted eight hours.[44] The protest caused delays during a shift-change at Sparrow Hospital.[45] Police described the protesters as respectful, with most trying to maintain social distancing; no arrests were made.[46]

Protesters complained of loss of work and other economic hardship caused by the state government's coronavirus response. Some felt that if they were not sick, that they should have the freedom to continue with their normal routine.[47] Others claimed violation of their civil liberties or expressed opposition to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's administration.[48] Some protesters lived in more rural areas of Michigan that had not seen as many coronavirus cases as the cities of Detroit or Flint.[49]

On April 30, a second protest organized as part of the "American Revolution 2.0" national protest occurred when hundreds of protesters, many carrying firearms, gathered at the Michigan Capitol. Many protesters were able to enter the building. The demonstration had assistance organizing locally by the conservative group American Patriot Council .[50] The protest was much smaller than the one on April 15, but the show of firearms and the violent tone of some of the signs indicated that things were changing.[51] Some protesters compared the Governor to Adolf Hitler while children danced in masks of Donald Trump and Barack Obama on the steps of the Capitol.[52][53] Governor Whitmer extended the state of emergency regardless.[54]

On May 14, more armed protesters, organized by the group Michigan United for Liberty, gathered outside the Michigan State Capitol.[55] The organization's Facebook group was deleted over death threats against Governor Whitmer and a fight broke out over a doll tied to a noose at the protest.[56] The Michigan Legislature closed its scheduled session to avoid the possibility of another armed confrontation inside the chamber.[57]

On May 20, seven hairdressers were ticketed for cutting hair on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol, for allegedly violating their licenses. The charges were later dropped.[58]

A peaceful demonstration of prayers organized by the religious non-profit Transformation Michigan was performed on the Capitol lawn on May 28.[59]

Minnesota

About 800 protesters gathered outside the Minnesota Governor's Residence for the "Liberate Minnesota" rally on April 17[60]

On April 17, about 800 protesters gathered outside the Governor's Mansion in St. Paul for a "Liberate Minnesota" encouraged by President Trump's tweets.[60][61]

On April 19, Sven Sundgaard, a meteorologist at NBC affiliate KARE11, reposted a quote from a Rabbi Michael Latz accusing the right wing protesters of being "white nationalist Nazi sympathizer gun fetishist miscreants" on his personal Facebook page. Sundgaard was subsequently fired for "ethics violations."[62]

On May 11, a few dozen people gathered outside Albert Lea City Hall for a "prayer protest" in response to the pandemic lockdown.[63]

On May 23, more than 200 attended what was supposed to be the reopening of a tavern in Albany. After attorneys obtained an injunction to prevent the reopening, the crowd became a protest. Attendees harassed a reporter for wearing a mask and intentionally coughed in public while not wearing masks.[64]

On June 25, a couple wore Nazi flags in lieu of masks on their faces while shopping at a grocery store in Marshall.[65]

North Dakota

Even though Governor Doug Burgum did not issue a stay-at-home order, about 150 protesters gathered outside the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck to demand the state government reopen concert venues, movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, massage parlors and barber shops.[66][67]

Ohio

Several hundred anti-lockdown protesters rallied at the Ohio Statehouse on April 20[68]

Protests began in Ohio on April 9, with about 75 gathering outside of the Ohio Statehouse to protest Governor Mike DeWine's stay at home order. A second protest on April 13 grew to a group of 200–300 people.[69]

The following weekend, protests began on April 17, with dozens protesting outside the east side of the Statehouse.[70] The next day, April 18, the protests grew to hundreds.[71][70] Protesters carried signs with slogans lamenting the loss of liberties for the sake of safety, as well as signs critical of state officials,[71][70] and demanded that the state be immediately reopened.[71]

The governor said that he would not interfere with the protests, provided they adhered to social distancing guidelines.[72] Photographs from the protests on April 18 indicated that not all protesters had been honoring those guidelines;[72] however, many of them stayed in cars.[71][70]

On May 2, a small group of anti-lockdown protesters in Bexley patrolled the streets outside the private residence of Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton.[73] The Bexley City Council briefly considered a local ordinance banning protests outside Acton's home, but ultimately decided against the measure.[74]

Wisconsin

Several thousand people gathered at the state capitol in Madison on April 24 to protest the state's "Safer at Home" rules requiring social distancing and the closure of nonessential businesses. On that day the state health department announced 304 new positive tests—the most new cases most since the pandemic began.[75]

On May 8, Wisconsin DHS reported that over 72 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 had recently attended a "large event."[76]

Northeast

Connecticut

Hundreds of protesters paraded through Hartford at the "CT Liberty Rally" on April 20 demanding that businesses closed by Governor Ned Lamont's coronavirus legislation be reopened. The Libertarian Party of Connecticut organized the event.[77][78]

Massachusetts

About a dozen protesters gathered outside Governor Charlie Baker's home in Swampscott on April 23. Supporters made laps up and down the street in vehicles with MAGA flags, while medical workers tried to convince them to disperse.[79] On April 26, protesters met outside a Bristol County government building in Fall River.[79]

On May 4, hundreds gathered outside the Massachusetts State House for a "Liberty Rally" promoted by conservative radio show host Jeffrey Kuhner and by Super Happy Fun America, the organizers of the controversial 2019 Boston Straight Pride Parade.[80] The rally crowd was "tightly packed", largely ignored social distancing protocols, and many in the group refused to wear masks.[81][82]

New Hampshire

Hundreds, including libertarian talk show host Ian Freeman, protested at the New Hampshire State House on April 17 calling on Governor Chris Sununu to reopen the state.[83]

New Jersey

On April 17, an anti-lockdown protest occurred in Trenton. Days later, charges were brought against the organizer of the rally for violating social distancing guidelines.[84] A smaller group of protesters also demonstrated in a Walmart parking lot in Hamilton that same day.[85]

On May 20, hundreds of hairdressers and barbers organized by the "NJ Salon And Spa Coalition" gathered in Verona Park dressed in black to plead for the state to reopen their businesses.[86]

On November 28, a pro-Trump "Stop the Steal' caravan protest traveled around New Jersey for several hours starting near the Trump Golf Course in Bedminster and ending near Governor Murphy's home in Middletown where the focus shifted to criticizing the statewide lockdown restrictions.[87]

New York

On April 22, scores of cars and trucks blared their horns near Albany's Capitol Park in a protest called "Operation Gridlock: Reopen NY".[88]

On May 1, hundreds protested in Commack, Long Island.[89] Most protesters ignored social-distancing protocols, but no arrests were made, according to Suffolk County police.[90]

Pennsylvania

On Patriots' Day, April 20, hundreds of protesters marched on Pennsylvania's state capitol building during a Monday morning "Operation Gridlock Pennsylvania" event in Harrisburg.[91] The protest was organized by three groups, "Re-open Pennsylvania", "End the Lockdown Pennsylvania" and "Pennsylvania Against Excessive Quarantine" led in part by an Ohio-based Second Amendment rights activist named Chris Dorr.[92][91][93]

Rhode Island

Anti-lockdown protesters clashed with a line of healthcare worker counter-protesters outside the Rhode Island State House on April 25.[94]

Vermont

According to the VTDigger, 7 to 10 anti-lockdown protesters gathered in Montpelier on April 20.[95]

South

Alabama

Approximately 60 anti-lockdown protesters marched near the Alabama State Capitol at "Reopen Alabama" rally in Montgomery on April 21.[96]

Florida

Anti-lockdown protesters marched from the Governor's Mansion to the Old Capitol Building in Tallahassee to demand that the state allow businesses to go back to work.[97]

On May 11, a group of 20 to 30 protesters did squats and sit-up exercises outside the courthouse in Clearwater to call for the reopening of gyms.[98]

Kentucky

Dozens of people gathered on the lawn of the state capitol in Frankfort in the afternoon of Wednesday, April 15, 2020, to protest Governor Andy Beshear's anti-coronavirus measures. They could also be heard inside the capitol building. Throughout Governor Beshear's one-hour press briefing, the protesters chanted continuously and occasionally blew a horn. The principal demand was that businesses in the state be reopened.[43]

On May 25, a group of protesters organized by Take Back Kentucky, angry about the Second Amendment and coronavirus restrictions, hung the governor in effigy in front of the Kentucky statehouse. A sign reading "sic semper tyrannis" was attached to the hanging doll.[99]

Louisiana

On July 14, a man was arrested after being asked by a police officer to wear a mask inside a Walmart in West Monroe. The man allegedly struck the officer twice with his car.[100]

Maryland

On Saturday, April 18, ReOpen Maryland and Marylanders Against Excessive Quarantine held a driving protest in the state capital, Annapolis, against state restrictions continuing beyond May 1, drawing a claimed "at least 200 cars full of people."[101] On Saturday, May 2, ReOpen Maryland organized another driving protest between rallies in Frederick, Chester, and Salisbury, a span of 155 miles. Republican Rep. Andy Harris addressed the rally in Salisbury, comparing Maryland to North Korea, saying, "I didn't wake up in Communist China and I didn't wake up in North Korea...and tomorrow morning, I should be able to go to the church of my choice and worship the way I choose."[102] ReOpen Maryland protested in Annapolis without cars on Friday, May 15,[103] and again on Saturday, May 30.[104] Another rally was held in Westminster on Saturday, June 6.[105]

Reopen Baltimore County held a rally in the county seat of Towson on Friday, May 22.[106] Reopen Howard County held a rally at the Howard County courthouse in the county seat of Ellicott City on Tuesday, May 26.[107]

In late June, the chair and co-founder of ReOpen Maryland said that he had tested positive for coronavirus but he would not help with contact tracing efforts.[108] He said that got coronavirus "because Satan demmed to get it. Because he wanted to quiet my work."<refv name= co-founder/> He said later that he and his family contracted COVID-19 and that he developed pneumonia because of it, but he still does not believe that the state needs to be shut down.[109]

On September 18, 2020, Reopen Maryland and Return2Learn Maryland Schools organized a protest march in downtown Annapolis urging the governor to reopen all Maryland businesses and schools.[109][110] Attendance was described as "hundreds of people"[110] or "nearly a hundred Marylanders, most without masks".[109]

Mississippi

Dozens of protesters carrying Trump campaign merchandise and Confederate Flags rallied to "Open Up Mississippi" in Jackson on April 25.[111]

North Carolina

An anti-lockdown protest in Graham, North Carolina on May 7

In Raleigh, about 100 people protested outside the capitol building on April 14. One woman was arrested for violating the governor's order and refusing to leave the parking lot.[112] A second "ReOpen NC" protest of about 300 people was held on April 21—a day on which the state's coronavirus death toll increased by 34 to a total of 213.[113] A leader of the ReOpen NC group revealed in a Facebook post that she tested positive for COVID-19. She described herself as an "asymptomatic COVID19 positive patient." After her antibody test came back negative but her COVID-19 test result was positive,[114] she was given a quarantine order. She has alleged that this violated her civil rights.[115]

In North Carolina some anti-lockdown protesters were known to be carrying massive amounts of weapons including an AT-4 Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher.[116]

Texas

On Saturday, April 18, hundreds protested at the statehouse in Austin, Texas at a "You Can't Close America" rally organized by InfoWars' Alex Jones.[117]

On May 12, hair salon owner Shelley Luther was found guilty of civil and criminal contempt in Dallas for ignoring a temporary restraining order.[118] After earning the support from Sean Hannity and Ted Cruz for her alleged civil disobedience and half a million dollars in gofundme money,[119][120] she admitted to receiving $18,000 in stimulus money designed to help her business while it remained closed.[121]

On May 23, a few dozen protesters gathered outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin for a "Texas Freedom Rally" sponsored by the Texas Freedom Coalition. Shelly Luther was a speaker.[122]

On July 4, 2020, an event called "The Freedom Rally" was held in front of the Tom Green County Courthouse in San Angelo to protest masks, lockdowns, the science behind COVID-19 and "liberal media."[123] In August 2021, rally organizer Caleb Wallace died of COVID-19 leaving behind three daughters and a pregnant wife.[124]

West

Alaska

On April 23, a caravan of vehicles paraded through downtown Anchorage honking horns, waving flags and displaying signs that read "Open Alaska", "Don't Tread on Me" and "Shrink government, open business."[125][126] The protesters primarily opposed Democratic mayor Ethan Berkowitz for being too slow in ending the lockdown. Protesters expressed that they were on the same side as the state's Republican governor on the issue.[127]

California

Protest against COVID-19 closure in Huntington Beach, California on May 3. The city has been a hotbed of anti-lockdown protests throughout 2020

On April 17, a group of more than 200 protested against the stay-at-home rules in Huntington Beach. The protesters demanded the reopening of California's economy.[128][129] A 36-year-old attorney was arrested for pulling a knife on a television crew, forcing them into their van and ordering them to delete any footage they had filmed of him. He held the crew in the van against their will before being stopped and arrested by police.[130]

On April 18, several hundred people protested in Downtown San Diego, saying they wanted businesses and beaches reopened.[131][132][133] Another protest occurred April 19 in Encinitas.[134] On April 20, hundreds of protesters marched or drove around the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The rally was organized by the Freedom Angels, a group best known for its opposition to mandatory vaccination.[135] Following this protest, the California Highway Patrol announced that it will no longer issue permits for any events on state properties.[136][137]

On April 25, at least three protesters were arrested for violating the stay-at-home order and refusing to leave a closed beach in Encinitas.[138]

On April 25, at least 200 people protested at "A Day of Liberty San Diego Freedom Rally" on Pacific Beach organized by the same people who organized last weeks downtown rally. The rally was strongly condemned by community leaders, but arrests were not reported.[139][140]

On April 26, protesters carrying signs that said "SM BIZ MATTERS" and "My constitutional rights are essential" gathered in Palm Springs.[141]

On May 1, a series of simultaneous protests all over California were planned for Friday but only three attracted large crowds.[142] Hundreds gathered and 32 were arrested in Sacramento.[143] 2500 to 3000 gathered in Huntington Beach to protest the Governor's new order to re-close beaches in Orange County.[144]

On May 1, 1000, anti-lockdown protesters rallied in Ventura. The event was described as a "nonpolitical peaceful protest to fully reopen California." Ventura Police Department officials said they estimated the size at about 1,000 people.[145][146]

On May 1, about 100 cars draped in American Flags and signs reading "Open Our Country" and "Remember the Constitution" jammed De la Guerra Plaza in Santa Barbara on Friday afternoon.[147]

On May 2, one hundred plus anti-lockdown protesters rallied in Laguna Beach.[148] An MSNBC reporter was attacked mid-broadcast by a protester who got in his personal space and yelled at him to "take off that damn mask."[149]

On May 2, a lone man protested face-mask requirements by openly wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood at Vons supermarket in Santee.[150] Less than a week later, a couple pushing a stroller shopped at a Food 4 Less in Santee with Nazi swastikas on their masks.[151][152][153][154]

On May 3, about 300 protesters rallied in Rancho Cucamonga, ignored social-distancing rules, held Trump banners and chanted "Four More Years."[155]

On May 21, the leader of a Stay Home Order protest was arrested in San Clemente for refusing to comply with a dispersal order.[156]

On May 23, over 2000 protesters join LibertyFest anti-lockdown rally next to California State Capitol in Sacramento.[157]

On July 14, gyms in Riverside[158] and University Heights, San Diego[159] remained open despite Governor Newsom's renewed statewide closings.[160]

On July 15, a grocery store employee in Los Angeles used pepper spray against a customer who allegedly assaulted a woman after being asked to wear a mask.[161]

On July 28, about five dozen hairstylists gathered in front of San Diego City Hall to protest county rules prohibiting salons from providing services indoors.[162]

On November 30, hundreds, including former UFC champion Tito Ortiz, gathered at a pier in Huntington Beach for a "curfew breaker" protest against COVID-19 restrictions.[163]

On January 24, 2021, a church group protested San Diego County's purple tier restrictions at a "Let Us Worship" event in El Cajon. Mayor William Wells led prayers while hundreds of mostly maskless protesters ignored social distancing protocols.[164]

On April 13, 2021, anti-mask protesters stormed a grocery store in Carmel Valley, San Diego taking an emotional toll on staff.[165]

On April 10, 2022, thousands gathered for a "Defeat the Mandates" rally in Grand Park in front of Los Angeles City Hall. Truckers from the People's Convoy and protesters from as far away as New York listened to speakers and musical performers opposed to several COVID-19 related bills in the state legislature.[166][167]

Colorado

A Facebook event was created for a gathering called "Operation Gridlock Denver" for April 19, with more than 550 people stating they were going to the event. The operation plan was to "drive to the capitol in Denver and gridlock the roads in protest to the mandatory lockdowns and violation of constitutional rights ..."[168] Footage from the counter-protest went viral after counter-protestors dressed as nurses silently stood in front of cars participating in the protest Operation Gridlock, while wearing their scrubs and N95 face masks. One nurse who participated in the counter-protest stated the protest felt like "a slap in the face to medical workers".[169] The counter protestors claimed to be nurses from a local hospital but declined to identify themselves or their employer.[170]

Ammon Bundy, an anti-government militant and activist, primarily active in the Pacific Northwest, most notably in Oregon and Idaho.

Idaho

Several hundred protesters assembled at the Idaho State Capitol building in Boise under the slogan "Disobey Idaho" on April 17. The protest was organized by three conservative groups—the "Idaho Freedom Foundation", "Idaho Second Amendment Alliance" and "Health Freedom Idaho"—and emceed by Republican state representative Tammy Nichols.[171][172]

On August 25, activist Ammon Bundy was arrested twice in two days for trespassing at the Idaho State Capitol.[173] Dozens more pushed past police and were allowed to sit in the gallery overlooking the Idaho House of Representatives without masks. Speaker Scott Bedke ultimately allowed them to fill every seat despite social distancing rules.[174]

On March 6, 2021, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the Idaho State Capitol for a "burn the mask" event organized by the husband of Idaho state representative Dorothy Moon and others.[175]

Nevada

Hundreds of protesters gathered on April 18 in Carson City at the Nevada State Capitol and on Carson Street chanting "End the shutdown", "One nation under God", and "Recall Sisolak".[176]

New Mexico

A small group of anti-lockdown protesters gathered at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque for an Operation Gridlock event on April 24.[177] Small protests also took place in Santa Fe and Farmington.[178][179]

Oregon

Dozens of protesters circled the Oregon State Capitol in Salem in their vehicles on April 17, 2020.[180] 200 people gathered outside City Hall in Redmond.[181][182] The "Re-Open Oregon" rally was held on May 1 and 2.[183][184][185] On December 21, during an anti-lockdown protest, about 300 demonstrators attempted to storm the Oregon State Capitol, but they were warded off by responding officers with the Oregon State Police. At the time, the State Capitol was hosting a special legislative session closed to the public. The group included members of far-right groups such as Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer.[186][187]

Utah

Hundreds protested on the lawn at Salt Lake City's Washington Square on Saturday, April 18.[188] The day before the protest, according to a police affidavit, Mayor Erin Mendenhall was threatened by a man who stated, "The mayor needs to open up the city. If she doesn't, she'll be forcibly removed from office. There's a protest tomorrow and if things don't change, a civil war is coming, and the police can't stop me." The man was arrested and booked for making a terroristic threat and electronic communication harassment.[189]

Washington

Protest against COVID-19 closures in Seattle on April 25

The Kitsap County Republican Party coordinated an event "Hazardous Liberty! Defend the Constitution!" called in Olympia on April 19.[15][190] The Olympia event was attended by more than two thousand people. Speakers included three Republican state legislators.[191]

On April 26, dozens of boaters in Lake Union protested the state ban on recreational fishing that is part of Governor Jay Inslee's "Stay at Home, Stay Healthy" order.[192]

Wyoming

On April 9, about 20 people protested what they called "government overreach" at Pioneer Park in Casper.[193]

Republican Governor Mark Gordon appeared at a protest outside the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne on April 20.[194]

On April 24, about 35 people attended a "Rally for Choice to Work" in downtown Casper.[195]

Response

On April 16, President Donald Trump issued guidelines for how to phase out restrictions, saying that governors would decide how to reopen their own states and suggesting a cautious three-phase approach.[196] The next day he reacted to the protests against social restrictions by encouraging the protests, tweeting "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" and "LIBERATE MINNESOTA!"[197][198][199] Trump has continued to defend the protesters by saying; "They seem very responsible to me" and "These are people expressing their views."[200] Stephen Moore, a right-wing member of his economic council, was criticised for comparing the protesters to Rosa Parks.[10] Maia Niguel Hoskin of Vox claimed that "ignorance, privilege, and anti-black racism" was a main factor behind the protests.[201]

On April 20, 2020, Facebook announced that it was blocking events and messages from anti-quarantine protest groups "when gatherings do not follow the health parameters established by the government and are therefore unlawful". The governors of New Jersey and Nebraska say they have not asked Facebook to take down the posts. Despite Facebook apparently acting on its own volition, Donald Trump Jr. claimed Facebook was "colluding with state governments to quash free speech".[202]

State governments

Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA) accused the president of "fomenting domestic rebellion" with his "LIBERATE!" tweets, saying, "The president's statements this morning encourage illegal and dangerous acts. He is putting millions of people in danger of contracting COVID-19."[203] On This Week two days later, Inslee said the president's call to ignore his own team's guidelines was "schizophrenic".[204]

When asked if there is a fundamental right to go to work, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo encouraged protesters to get an essential job.[205]

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper responded to the first protest in his state, saying, "Some people want to completely obliterate these restrictions. It would be a catastrophe. The numbers are very clear that the interventions that we've entered into—social gatherings, limitations on bars and restaurants, the stay at home order—those kinds of things are working."[112]

General public

On April 16, Pew Research polls indicated that 32% of Americans worried state governments would take too long to re-allow public activities, while 66% feared the state restrictions would be lifted too quickly.[206]

Many lawmakers and other public figures have condemned the protests as unsafe and ill-advised.[8] Republican Mike Shirkey, the Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate, called the protesters in his state "a bunch of jackasses."[207]

See also

References

  1. "Coronavirus: Anti-Lockdown Protests Grow Across US". BBC News. 17 April 2020. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  2. Andone, Dakin (April 17, 2020). "Protests Are Popping Up Across the US over Stay-at-Home Restrictions". CNN. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  3. 1 2 "How Trump allies have organized and promoted anti-lockdown protests". Reuters. April 22, 2020. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  4. 1 2 Wilson, Jason (April 17, 2020). "The rightwing groups behind wave of protests against Covid-19 restrictions". The Guardian. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  5. Siegler, Kirk (April 18, 2020). "Across America, Frustrated Protesters Rally To Reopen The Economy". NPR. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  6. "Coronavirus: Anti-Lockdown Protests Grow Across US". US & Canada. BBC News. April 17, 2020. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  7. Vogel, Kenneth P.; Rutenberg, Jim; Lerer, Lisa (April 21, 2020). "The Quiet Hand of Conservative Groups in the Anti-Lockdown Protests". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  8. 1 2 "Michigan Militia Puts Armed Protest in the Spotlight". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 2, 2020. Archived from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  9. 1 2 Gearan, Anne; Wagner, John (May 1, 2020). "Trump expresses support for angry anti-shutdown protesters as more states lift coronavirus lockdowns". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  10. 1 2 Johnson, Martin (April 18, 2020). "Trump ally compares coronavirus protesters to Rosa Parks". The Hill. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  11. Budryk, Zack (May 3, 2020). "Governors, experts await results of reopening states as protests continue". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 10, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  12. "Activists plan march on state capitals to reopen for May 1". The Washington Times. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  13. Hernandez, Salvador (April 17, 2020). "This Is How A Group Linked To Betsy DeVos Is Organizing Protests To End Social Distancing, Now With Trump's Support". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  14. Oosting, Jonathan (April 22, 2020). "Meet the Trump-loving group behind protest of Gov. Whitmer's stay-home order". bridgemi.com. Bridge Magazine. Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  15. 1 2 Miller, Cole (April 19, 2020). "Protest against state closure planned for tomorrow in Olympia". KOMO. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  16. Kumar, Anita (April 21, 2020). "Trump allies have their fingerprints on lockdown protests". Politico. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  17. Flynn, Meagan (April 16, 2020). "Chanting 'lock her up,' Michigan protesters waving Trump flags mass against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's coronavirus restrictions". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  18. "Coronavirus lockdown protest: What's behind the US demonstrations?". BBC News. April 21, 2020. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  19. Graves, Lisa (April 22, 2020). "Opinion | Who's Behind the 'Reopen' Protests?". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  20. Stanley-Becker, Isaac; Romm, Tony (April 22, 2020). "The anti-quarantine protests seem spontaneous. But behind the scenes, a powerful network is helping". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  21. 1 2 Coaston, Jane; Rupar, Aaron (April 16, 2020). "Thousands of Michiganders took to the streets to protest the governor's stay-at-home order". Vox. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  22. Ecarma, Caleb (April 16, 2020). "Trump Supporters Are Staging Armed Protests to Stick It to Coronavirus". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  23. Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (May 4, 2020). "Antivaccination Activists Are Growing Force at Virus Protests". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 21, 2020. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  24. Sommer, Will; Kucinich, Jackie (April 22, 2020). "Anti-Vaxxers and Lockdown Protesters Form an Unholy Alliance". The Daily Beast. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  25. Uren, Adam (April 20, 2020). "WaPo reveals Minnesota gun group link to anti-quarantine protests". Bring Me the News. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  26. Gruber-Miller, Stephen (April 23, 2020). "This Iowa family is behind the 'Reopen' protests popping up across the country". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 4, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  27. Bristow, Nancy (May 1, 2020). "Loosening Public-Health Restrictions Too Early Can Cost Lives. Just Look What Happened During the 1918 Flu Pandemic". Time. Archived from the original on May 4, 2020. Retrieved May 4, 2020. On Jan. 25, 1919, nearly 2,000 San Franciscans showed up at Dreamland Rink for a public meeting of the Anti-Mask League.
  28. "Facebook groups pivot to attacks on Black Lives Matter". AP News. July 5, 2020. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  29. Kaplan Sommer, Allison (May 4, 2020). "'Arbeit Macht Frei': Nazi Slogans Show Up at Illinois Rally Protesting Coronavirus Lockdown". Haaretz. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  30. Charles, Sam (May 1, 2020). "Reopen Illinois rally draws hundreds to Loop, Springfield". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  31. Placko, Dane (May 1, 2020). "Protesters statewide demand Governor Pritzker reopen Illinois". FOX 32 Chicago. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  32. "Protesters in Illinois Call for Stay-at-Home Order to be Canceled". WTTW News. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  33. Pak-Harvey, Amelia (April 18, 2020). "Protesters rally outside Governor's Residence to say Holcomb's orders go too far". Indianapolis Star. Ganett. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  34. Staff Report (April 18, 2020). "Dozens protest Indiana 'stay at home' order outside governor's mansion". WISH TV. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  35. Whitmer, Gretchen (March 10, 2020). "Executive Order No. 2020-04: Declaration of State of Emergency" (PDF). State of Michigan. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  36. "First cases of coronavirus confirmed in Michigan. One each in Oakland and Wayne counties". Detroit: WXYZ-TV. March 10, 2020. Archived from the original on March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  37. Hernandez, Sergio; O'Key, Sean; Watts, Amanda; Manley, Byron; Pettersson, Henrik (April 17, 2020). "Tracking Covid-19 Cases in the US". CNN. Archived from the original on March 29, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  38. Burns, Gus (March 30, 2020). "Coronavirus 'Hot Spot' in Detroit Expected to Grow with Increased Testing, Mayor Says". MLive. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  39. "States Need Bold Action Against Coronavirus, Michigan Governor Says". NPR. March 18, 2020. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  40. Egan, Paul; Gray, Kathleen (April 15, 2020). "Gov. Whitmer says Capitol protesters put others at risk, may have worsened pandemic". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  41. LeBlanc, Beth; Mauger, Craig (April 15, 2020). "Whitmer to protesters: Rally will 'come at cost to people's health'". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  42. Smith, Allan; Einhorn, Erin (April 14, 2020). "Michigan Gov. Whitmer faces fierce backlash over strict stay-at-home order". NBC News. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  43. 1 2 Berg, Kara & Egan, Paul (April 15, 2020). "Thousands Converge to Protest Michigan Governor's Stay-Home Order in 'Operation Gridlock'". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  44. Walker, Heather (April 15, 2020). "'Free MI': Stay-home order protesters gather at Capitol". UP Matters. Marquette, Michigan: WJMN-TV. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  45. "'Operation Gridlock' rally caused delays during shift change at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing". WXYZ. April 16, 2020. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  46. Berg, Kara; Egan, Paul (April 15, 2020). "Thousands Converge to Protest Michigan Governor's Stay-Home Order in 'Operation Gridlock'". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  47. McNamara, Audrey (April 15, 2020). "Protests Break Out in Michigan over State's Stay-at-Home Order". CBS News. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  48. Guardian Staff and Agencies (April 15, 2020). "Protesters Chant 'Lock Her Up' after Michigan Governor's Stay-at-Home Order". The Guardian. Archived from the original on April 15, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  49. Censky, Abigail (April 15, 2020). "Michigan Stay-At-Home Order Prompts Honking, Traffic-Jam Protest". NPR. WKAR. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  50. Clark, Dartunorro (April 30, 2020). "Hundreds of protesters, some carrying guns in the state Capitol, demonstrate against Michigan's emergency measures". NBC News. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  51. Mauger, Craig (April 30, 2020). "Protesters, some armed, enter Michigan Capitol in rally against COVID-19 limits". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  52. "Gov. Whitmer says protest 'depicted some of the worst racism' and doesn't represent Michigan". MLive.com. May 3, 2020. Archived from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  53. "Video Shows Children Dancing In Racist Obama Mask At Michigan Protest". BET.com. Archived from the original on May 29, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  54. Fortin, Jacey (May 1, 2020). "Michigan Governor Reinstates State of Emergency as Protests Ramp Up". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  55. Censky, Abigail (May 14, 2020). "Heavily Armed Protesters Gather Again At Michigan Capitol To Decry Stay-At-Home Order". NPR. Archived from the original on May 15, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  56. "Naked doll hanging by a noose prompts fight at armed anti-lockdown protest". The Independent. May 14, 2020. Archived from the original on May 14, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  57. Welch, David (May 14, 2020). "Michigan Cancels Legislative Session to Avoid Armed Protesters". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on July 8, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  58. Pitofsky, Marina (May 21, 2020). "Stylists ticketed for cutting hair on Michigan Capitol lawn to protest lockdown". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  59. "Prayer gathering planned at Michigan Capitol Thursday". mlive. May 27, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  60. 1 2 Condon, Patrick (April 18, 2020). "Trump-backed rally urges Gov. Tim Walz to 'Liberate Minnesota'". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  61. Sandberg, Diane (April 17, 2020). "'Liberate Minnesota' protesters rally outside governor's residence". KARE11. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  62. Mullen, Mike (May 1, 2020). "Sven Sundgaard fired by KARE 11 for 'ethics violations'". City Pages. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  63. "Prayer protest outside Albert Lea City Hall". ABC 6 NEWS. May 11, 2020. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  64. Deese, Kaelan (May 23, 2020). "Reporter harassed for wearing a mask while covering a restaurant reopening-turned-protest". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 23, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  65. "Couple flaunt swastika face masks at southwestern Minnesota Walmart". Star Tribune. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  66. Turley, Jeremy (April 20, 2020). "Protesters at Capitol push governor to reopen North Dakota businesses". Grand Forks Herald. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  67. Ivy, Emmeline (April 20, 2020). "People gathered at the capitol in protest to reopen businesses". KFYR-TV. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  68. Rouan, Rick (April 20, 2020). "Protesters at Statehouse demand state reopen as DeWine announces schools to remain closed". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on April 25, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  69. "'We're Not Afraid of Any Virus': Crowds Gathered Outside of Ohio Statehouse Protesting Coronavirus Shutdowns". Cleveland Scene. April 14, 2020. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  70. 1 2 3 4 "Photos: Protests over stay-at-home orders at Ohio Statehouse". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  71. 1 2 3 4 Hancock, Laura (April 18, 2020). "Hundreds protest in Columbus against Ohio coronavirus restrictions". cleveland.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  72. 1 2 Perrett, Connor (April 19, 2020). "Ohio governor says anti-lockdown protests are OK if protestors adhere to social distancing". Business Insider. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  73. "Small group of protesters gather in Dr. Amy Acton's neighborhood". WEWS. May 3, 2020. Archived from the original on May 10, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  74. Myers, Jacob (May 7, 2020). "Bexley city council agrees not to vote on ordinance to ban protesters targeting Dr. Amy Acton at her home". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on May 11, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  75. Epstein, Reid J.; Nolan, Kay (April 24, 2020). "A Few Thousand Protest Stay-at-Home Order at Wisconsin State Capitol". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 30, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  76. Lueders, Bill (May 8, 2020). "Wisconsin Still in Dark on Protest". Progressive.org. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  77. Murdock, Zach (April 20, 2020). "Hundreds parade through Hartford to protest Gov. Ned Lamont's coronavirus stay-at-home orders, business closures". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  78. Wilson, Bob; Hernandez, Samaia (April 20, 2020). "Group gathers to protest Gov. Lamont's Stay Safe, Stay Home order". WTNH.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  79. 1 2 Ottolini, Meghan (April 23, 2020). "Face Off: Pro-, anti-coronavirus shutdown protests staged in front of Charlie Baker's house". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  80. MacNeill, Arianna (May 4, 2020). "Photos: Large crowd of protesters gathers in front of Mass. State House demanding reopening of economy". Boston.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  81. "Tightly-packed protest outside State House pushes for reopening economy". WCVB. May 5, 2020. Archived from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  82. Gardizy, Anissa (May 4, 2020). "Hundreds gather at State House to protest measures to slow spread of coronavirus". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  83. "Hundreds Protest Coronavirus Lockdown At New Hampshire State House". CBS Boston/AP. April 18, 2020. Archived from the original on April 28, 2020.
  84. Chasmar, Jessica (April 20, 2020). "N.J. woman charged for organizing 'reopen' protest in Trenton". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  85. "Organizer of New Jersey Anti-Lockdown Rally Charged With Violating Lockdown". NBC New York. April 18, 2020. Archived from the original on April 25, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  86. "Fed-Up NJ Hairdressers, Barbers Rally In Verona: 'Let Us Reopen'". Verona-Cedar Grove, NJ Patch. May 21, 2020. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  87. NJ.com, Michael Sol Warren | NJ Advance Media for (November 28, 2020). "Protestors show up at Murphy's house to criticize COVID-19 rules after rallying for Trump in Bedminster". nj. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  88. Lisa, Kate (April 24, 2020). "Protesters in Albany demand Cuomo reopen NY". Adirondack Daily Enterprise. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  89. "Protesters Call For Swift Reopening On Long Island As Coronavirus Hospitalizations Decline, But Local Leaders Urge Patience". May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  90. DeSantis, Michael (May 1, 2020). "Protesters In Commack Demand Economy Reopens". Patch. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  91. 1 2 Olson, Tyler (April 20, 2020). "Hundreds of protesters line Harrisburg streets in rowdy protest against stay-at-home order". Fox News. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  92. "Thousands of protesters expected at a 'reopen rally'". ABC27. April 20, 2020. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  93. Fernandez, Cynthia (April 20, 2020). "UPDATE Hundreds gather at Capitol in Harrisburg for anti-shutdown rally calling to 'reopen' Pennsylvania". The Daily Item. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  94. "Health care workers counter State House protest to reopen Rhode Island". WWLP. April 26, 2020. Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  95. "Handful of protesters rally against Scott's 'stay home' order". VT Digger. April 22, 2020. Archived from the original on June 19, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  96. Lyman, Brian (April 21, 2020). "Reopen Alabama protesters call for easing of coronavirus business restrictions". The Montgomery Advertiser. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  97. Spencer, Brandon (April 18, 2020). "Protesters gather outside the capitol asking the state to re-open Florida for business". wctv.tv. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  98. Klar, Rebecca (May 11, 2020). "Protesters call for gyms to reopen in Florida by exercising outside courthouse". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 17, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  99. Wise, Justin (May 25, 2020). "Protesters hang effigy of Kentucky governor". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  100. Coleman, Justine (July 16, 2020). "Louisiana man arrested after allegedly running car into officer who asked him to wear mask at Walmart". The Hill. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  101. Wainman, Laura; Arnold, Jess (April 18, 2020). "200 cars full of people protested Maryland's stay-at-home orders". WUSA (TV). Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  102. Ruiz, Nathan; Gillespie, Paul W. (May 3, 2020). "Rep. Harris compares Maryland to N. Korea, delegate sues Hogan as opponents protest coronavirus restrictions". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  103. Simms, Barry (May 15, 2020). "ReOpen Maryland protesters demand full opening of state". WBAL-TV. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  104. Lazarick, Len (May 31, 2020). "Floyd protests heat up, Reopen Maryland protests cool down". MarylandReporter.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  105. Lazarick, Len (June 7, 2020). "Small Reopen protests continue". MarylandReporter.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  106. Zumer, Bryna (May 22, 2020). "County Councilman takes part in 'Reopen Baltimore County' rally". WBFF. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  107. "Reopen Howard County rally in Ellicott City". The Baltimore Sun. May 26, 2020. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  108. Hutzell, Rick (June 26, 2020). "Co-founder of ReOpen Maryland says he has COVID-19, but won't help contact tracing efforts". The Capital. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  109. 1 2 3 Shwe, Elizabeth (September 19, 2020). "Protesters at Annapolis Reopen Rally Demand 'No More Fear and 'Kids Over Politics'". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  110. 1 2 Kadhim, Eddie (September 18, 2020). "'Reopen Maryland' protest held in Annapolis". WMAR-TV. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  111. Vicory, Justin (April 25, 2020). "'Should be up to the people': Protesters push for full reopening of Mississippi businesses". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  112. 1 2 Shaffer, Josh; Hajela, Ashad (April 15, 2020). "Protesters rally for NC to reopen. One woman arrested for violating governor's order". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  113. Kaplan, Jonah (April 21, 2020). "Second ReOpen NC protest again calls on Gov. Cooper to roll back COVID-19 safety measures". ABC-11. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  114. Reeves, Jeff; Quigley, Colleen (April 27, 2020). "ReOpen NC leader says she tested positive for COVID-19". CBS17.com. Raleigh, North Carolina. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  115. Owen, Tess (April 28, 2020). "An Anti-Lockdown Protest Leader Has Now Tested Positive for COVID-19". Vice. Archived from the original on May 10, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  116. Snouwaert, Jessica. "Photos of armed protesters in North Carolina carrying a rocket launcher, shotguns, and pistols while ordering food at a Subway restaurant are trending". Business Insider. Archived from the original on May 16, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  117. Hall, Richard (April 18, 2020). "Alex Jones joins protest against coronavirus lockdown orders as crowds chant 'Fire Fauci'". The Independent. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  118. Platoff, Emma (May 15, 2020). "How a Dallas salon owner changed Texas' reopening debate". The Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  119. "Arrested Dallas Hairdresser's GoFundMe Launched Before She Even Reopened". Texas Monthly. May 8, 2020. Archived from the original on May 23, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  120. Baragona, Justin (May 7, 2020). "Hannity Compares Jailed Texas Salon Owner to Braveheart". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  121. Baragona, Justin (May 11, 2020). "Texas Salon Owner Admits to 'The View' She Received PPP Funds Before Court Date". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on May 13, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  122. "Protesters rally for lifting all COVID restrictions on Texas". KSAT. Associated Press. May 23, 2020. Archived from the original on June 2, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  123. Tufts, John. "'He loved his family': Caleb Wallace dies after battle with COVID-19, pregnant wife says". San Angelo Standard-Times. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  124. Erwin, Joe (August 31, 2021). "Texas anti-mask 'Freedom Defender' dies of COVID at age 30". mlive. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  125. Treinen, Lex (April 23, 2020). "Alaska is reopening the economy, but Anchorage protesters took to the streets anyway". Alaska Public Media. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  126. "Photos: Protesters in Anchorage urge officials to reopen Alaska amid COVID-19 pandemic". KTVA. April 22, 2020. Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  127. Clark, Taylor (April 22, 2020). "Crowd holds caravan-style protest in favor of Anchorage reopening with state". KTUU-TV. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  128. Campa, Andrew J. (April 17, 2020). "'Live Free or Die': Protesters march against California stay-at-home rules in Huntington Beach". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  129. "200-Plus Gather In Huntington Beach To Protest Stay-At-Home Order: We've Complied Long Enough". abc7.com. April 20, 2020. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  130. Sweeney, Don (April 21, 2020). "Man pulls knife on journalists covering anti-lockdown protest, California police say". The Sacramento Bee. Archived from the original on April 28, 2020.
  131. Weber, Paul; Jordans, Frank (April 18, 2020). "Protesters Decry Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Orders Across The US, Including San Diego". KPBS Public Media. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  132. "San Diego groups protest government-imposed shutdown orders". KFMB. April 18, 2020. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  133. Cervantes, Erika (April 18, 2020). "Protestors Against Stay-at-Home Order Rally in Downtown". NBC 7 San Diego. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  134. "Encinitas group gathers to protest the closure of public spaces in North County San Diego". KFMB. April 19, 2020. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  135. Koseff, Alexei (April 20, 2020). "Protesters besiege Capitol in Sacramento – they want coronavirus restrictions lifted". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  136. Stanton, Sam (April 22, 2020). "CHP bans protests at California Capitol after rally against Newsom's stay-at-home order". Sacramento Bee. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020.
  137. Campa, Andrew J.; Hernandez, David (April 23, 2020). "Organizer of California stay-at-home protest could face criminal charges". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  138. Hope, Heather (April 25, 2020). "San Diego Sheriffs make multiple arrests at Encinitas protest". CBS News 8. Archived from the original on April 30, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  139. "Stay-at-home order protests continue in San Diego County". cbs8.com. April 26, 2020. Archived from the original on May 1, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  140. Gormlie, Frank (April 26, 2020). "Fierce Blow-Back on Planned Protest of Restrictions in Pacific Beach". OB Rag. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  141. Hayden, Nicole; Metz, Sam; Atagi, Colin; Blueskye, Brian. "Riverside County sees dramatic increase in COVID-19 deaths; 'lockdown' protest in Palm Springs". Desert Sun. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  142. Barmann, Jay (May 2, 2020). "32 Arrested at Sacramento Protest Against Sheltering Order; San Francisco Protest Remains Small". SFist. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  143. Koseff, Alexei; Thadani, Trisha (May 1, 2020). "CHP arrests protesters in Sacramento who defy shelter-in-place order to demand California reopen". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  144. Kallingal, Mallika; Moon, Sarah (May 1, 2020). "Large crowds in Huntington Beach protest beach closures by California governor". CNN. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  145. Wenner, Gretchen; Diskin, Megan (May 1, 2020). "Hundreds turn out to rally in Ventura to oppose stay-at-home orders". Ventura County Star. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  146. Plascencia, Anthony (May 2, 2020). "Coronavirus: Ventura County protest calls for reopening of California". Ventura County Star. Archived from the original on May 18, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  147. May 01, Delaney Smith Fri; 2020 | 5:38pm (May 2, 2020). "'Honk To End the Shutdown' Protest Comes to Santa Barbara". The Santa Barbara Independent. Archived from the original on May 29, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  148. "100-Plus Protesters Rally in Laguna Beach to Open Beaches and Businesses". CBS Los Angeles. May 2, 2020. Archived from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  149. Concha, Joe (May 3, 2020). "MSNBC reporter interrupted by protester in California: 'Take off your damn mask, man!'". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  150. Stone, Ken (May 4, 2020). "Santee, County Officials Condemn Shopper with KKK Hood in Viral Photos". Times of San Diego. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  151. Avitabile, Rafael (May 8, 2020). "Man with Swastika on Face Covering Spotted in Santee Grocery Store". NBC 7 San Diego. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  152. "Man and wife photographed wearing swastika masks while shopping at Food 4 Less in Santee". McKinnon Broadcasting. May 8, 2020. Archived from the original on May 10, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  153. Stone, Ken (May 9, 2020). "Shopper in Swastika Mask Posts Video of Quarrel with Santee Deputies". Times of San Diego. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  154. "Behind the swastikas in Santee | San Diego Reader". May 30, 2020. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  155. Iyer, Jennifer (May 3, 2020). "Hundreds protest coronavirus lockdown in Rancho Cucamonga". Daily Bulletin. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  156. KABC (May 21, 2020). "Coronavirus: 1 person arrested after protest in San Clemente over Stay Home orders". ABC7 Los Angeles. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  157. "2,000 join rally against Newsom's stay-at-home coronavirus orders at California's Capitol". The Sacramento Bee. May 23, 2020. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020.
  158. "Riverside Gym Defies Gov. Newsom's Order to Close". NBC 7 San Diego. July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  159. "San Diego gym owner refuses to close despite state restrictions". KGTV. July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  160. "Coronavirus in California: Updates and Daily Briefings". NBC Los Angeles. March 31, 2020. Archived from the original on June 28, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  161. Johnson, Martin (July 16, 2020). "Grocery store worker reportedly used pepper spray on customer who refused to wear mask, became confrontational". The Hill. Archived from the original on July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
  162. "San Diego Salons Hold Peaceful Protest: We Want to Work Inside Again". NBC 7 San Diego. July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  163. Zidan, Karim (December 17, 2020). "Tinfoil gloves: why has MMA become a breeding ground for QAnon?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  164. "Hundreds gather for outdoor prayer event in El Cajon". cbs8.com. January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  165. Raffa, Allie (April 29, 2021). "Anti-Maskers Storm Grocery Stores Leaving Staff, Customers Fed Up With Backlash Against Mandates Beyond Their Control". NBC 7 San Diego. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  166. Dovargnes, Damian (April 11, 2022). "Thousands rally in LA to oppose COVID-19 vaccine mandates". Sacramento Bee.
  167. Oreskes, Benjamin (April 10, 2022). "Opponents of vaccine requirements gather for 'Defeat the Mandates' rally in L.A." Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  168. Hernandez, Esteban (April 17, 2020). "Yes, Denver officials are aware of that "gridlock" protest on Sunday that's breaking stay-at-home orders". Denverite. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  169. Kesslen, Ben (April 20, 2020). "Health care workers stand against protesters opposing coronavirus lockdown in Colorado". NBC News. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  170. Norman, Greg (April 20, 2020). "Coronavirus standoff: Photos purportedly show Colorado health care workers at odds with anti-lockdown protesters". Fox News. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  171. Bustillo, Ximena (March 17, 2020). "Hundreds rally at Idaho Capitol to protest Gov. Little's stay-home order". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  172. Boone, Rebecca (April 18, 2020). "Hundreds defy Idaho's stay-at-home order at Capitol protest". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  173. "Ammon Bundy Is Arrested And Wheeled Out Of The Idaho Statehouse — Again". NPR. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  174. "Unmasked Protesters Push Past Police Into Idaho Lawmakers' Session". NPR. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  175. Castronuovo, Celine (March 6, 2021). "Demonstrators burn masks in front of Idaho state Capitol". The Hill. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  176. "Protest against shut down at Capitol in Carson City ignores social distancing mandate, calls for Nevada to reopen". Carson Now. April 18, 2020. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  177. Gunn, Andrew (April 26, 2020). "Politics, misinformation enter fray as 'anti-quarantine' protest and COVID cases continue". New Mexico Daily Lobo. Archived from the original on May 1, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  178. Nott, Robert (April 20, 2020). "Anti-closure protest draws cars, helicopters to New Mexico Capitol". Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  179. "Frustrations flare over New Mexico public health orders". Durango Herald. Archived from the original on May 31, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  180. "Coronavirus updates, Saturday: Dozens protest Oregon's stay-at-home order; Butte to Butte race canceled". The Register-Guard. April 18, 2020. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  181. Goldwasser, Max (April 17, 2020). "More than 200 gather in Redmond to protest stay-at-home order". Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  182. Andrews, Garrett (April 16, 2020). "Redmond activist to protest Oregon stay home order with rally". The Bulletin. Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  183. Balick, Lisa (April 17, 2020). "'Open Oregon' rally in Salem: 'No light at end of tunnel'". KOIN. Archived from the original on April 28, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  184. Stenvick, Blair (April 16, 2020). "Conservative Protestors Plan "Reopen Oregon" Rally at State Capitol". Portland Mercury. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  185. Riski, Tess (April 16, 2020). "Right-Wing Protesters Are Planning "Reopen America" Rallies at State Capitols in Oregon and Washington". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on April 30, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  186. Ross, Winston; Melendez, Pilar (December 21, 2020). "Heavily Armed Far-Right Mob Floods Oregon Capitol". The Daily Beast. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  187. Withycombe, Claire; Barreda, Virginia (December 21, 2020). "Arrests made after protesters attempt to enter Oregon State Capitol during session". Statesman Journal. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  188. Leonard, Wendy (April 18, 2020). "Hundreds gather to rally for revival of Utah business". DeseretNews. Archived from the original on April 25, 2020. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  189. Reavy, Pat (April 20, 2020). "Man threatened Salt Lake City mayor over COVID-19 restrictions, police say". DeseretNews. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  190. "Thousands gathered in Olympia to protest Gov. Inslee's stay-at-home order". KING. April 19, 2020. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  191. O'Sullivan, Joseph; Gutman, David (April 19, 2020). "Demonstrators rally in Olympia against Washington's coronavirus stay-at-home order". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020.
  192. Horne, Deborah (April 26, 2020). "Anglers protest order preventing them from fishing". KIRO. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  193. writers, Shane Sanderson and Nick Reynolds Star-Tribune staff (April 9, 2020). "Demonstrators gather in Casper park to protest 'government overreach'". Casper Star-Tribune Online. Archived from the original on June 13, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  194. Roedel, John (April 21, 2020). "Wyoming governor makes surprise appearance at protest rally". KTVQ. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  195. Elysia.Conner@trib.com, Elysia Conner 307-266-0509 (April 24, 2020). "Protesters gather in downtown Casper to demonstrate against closure orders". Casper Star-Tribune Online. Archived from the original on June 20, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  196. Liptak, Kevin; Holmes, Kristen; Nobles, Ryan (April 16, 2020). "Trump completes reversal, telling govs 'you are going to call your own shots' and distributes new guidelines". CNN. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  197. Shear, Michael D.; Mervosh, Sarah (April 17, 2020). "Trump Encourages Protest Against Governors Who Have Imposed Virus Restrictions". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  198. Itkowitz, Colby (April 17, 2020). "'Liberate': Trump Tweets Support of Protests Against Stay-at-Home Orders". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  199. "Trump Foments Protests Against Governors; Experts Warn of Testing Shortages". The New York Times. April 17, 2020. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  200. "'They seem very responsible to me': Trump defends anti-lockdown protesters – video". The Guardian. Reuters/AP News. April 18, 2020. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  201. Hoskin, Maia Niguel (April 25, 2020). "The whiteness of anti-lockdown protests". Vox. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020.
  202. Overly, Steven (April 20, 2020). "Republicans attack Facebook as network shuts down anti-lockdown protests". Politico. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  203. "Trump accused of 'fomenting rebellion' after 'LIBERATE' tweets". Al Jazeera. April 18, 2020. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  204. Cummings, William (April 19, 2020). "Governors slam Trump's call to 'liberate' states where protesters object to coronavirus restrictions". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  205. McCloy, Anne (April 22, 2020). "Cuomo tells protesters to get essential jobs, says economic hardship doesn't equal death". WRGB. Archived from the original on April 30, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  206. Coleman, Justine (April 16, 2020). "Two-thirds of Americans worry states will lift restrictions on public activity too quickly: poll". The Hill. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  207. DeVito, Lee (May 1, 2020). "Republican Sen. Mike Shirkey calls Lansing protesters 'a bunch of jackasses'". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.

Further reading

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.