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WASHINGTON: An estimated 2,500 people demonstrated at the Washington State Capitol on Sunday (April 19) to protest against Democratic Governor Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order to limit the spread of COVID-19, challenging the ban on meetings of 50 or more people.
Despite pleas from the rally organizers to wear masks or masks, many did not.
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Police estimated the crowd at 2,500, making it one of the largest protests in the U.S. states against the blockades over the past week.
In Olympia, hundreds of people gathered closely on the steps of the capitol building and around a fountain, in contravention of state and federal health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A person waves a US flag during a protest against the state’s extended order to stay home to help curb the spread of COVID-19 as hundreds gather to demonstrate in the Capitol building in Olympia, Washington, on April 19, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS / Lindsey Wasson)
“Closing deals by choosing winners and losers where they are essential and non essential are violations of the state and federal constitution,” protest organizer Tyler Miller, 39, an engineer from Bremerton, Washington, told Reuters. and an officer from the Republican precinct. .
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Protesters drove vehicles to the state capitol, honking horns and jamming streets.
“RISK OF ALL DANGERS”
“There is no doubt that defending freedom means risking all dangers,” said Miller, paraphrasing a quote from John Adams.
“The American Revolution was fought at the height of the smallpox epidemic. Our founders were well aware of these kinds of risks.”
Protesters begin to rally in a protest against the Washington state house-to-stay order to curb the coronavirus outbreak in Olympia. (AP Photo / Elaine Thompson)
The crowds remained on the capitol grounds after the scheduled end of the rally, but the Washington state police did not issue any subpoenas, spokesman Chris Loftis said.
Trump tweeted on Friday supporting similar protests in Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia to “free them” from the rules of social distancing.
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While Miller did not describe his rally as an effort to free Washington, he said: “I am comforted by your backing.”
Earlier Sunday, Inslee said state Republican lawmakers were supporting the rebellion against its social distancing rules that have largely shut down the economy.
Protesters demonstrate in downtown San Diego against the order to stay at home in California to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP
“Comments on the news from some Republican lawmakers calling for an ‘open rebellion’, alleging that a ‘deep state’ plot and other radical statements are irresponsible and could unnecessarily lead to more people getting sick,” said Inslee, a Democrat. , it’s a statement.
“I support freedom of expression. But the crowd count or the speeches will not determine our direction. It is not about politics. It is just about doing what is best for the health of all Washingtonians.”
Washington state had the nation’s first confirmed case of coronavirus in late January and the first fatal group in a nursing home outside of Seattle.
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