Calif. city protests stay-at-home orders (pics)

Sean Emery, Nathaniel Percy, Emily Rasmussen, Paul Bersebach, Jeff Gritchen (scng.com), Orange County Register, April 17, 2020; Pfc. Sandoval, Seth Auberon, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

"Defy Fascist Lockdown," Sarah Mason's sign reads as police patrol (Paul Bersebach/OCR).

Scores of people gather in Huntington Beach to protest coronavirus stay-at-home orders

Scores of [conservative, affluent, predominantly Caucasian] protesters defying stay-at-home orders gathered in downtown Huntington Beach [Orange County, California] today [April 17].

They were rallying for an end to restrictions on businesses and public gatherings that health officials swear are needed to save lives during the coronavirus [flu] pandemic.

Mobilized largely through social media posts, several dozens of protesters gathered at Main St. and Walnut Ave. shortly before 1:00 pm. The crowd grew to more than 200 people, according to police.

"My constitutional rights are essential." "Covid-19 is a lie." (Jeff Gritchen/OCR).

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Jackboots at work instead of sandals (JG/OCR)

Many had signs, such as “Live Free or Die.” Some wore masks. The group periodically chanted “USA!” as some passing vehicles honked in support.

In a posting on social media Friday evening, Huntington Beach police said that while the demonstration was peaceful, it could have escalated into something more dangerous. Police reported no arrests.

“While the [police] department worked to get enough resources there to manage the protest effectively, the people at the location began violating some of our local ordinances regarding public assembly including walking in the middle of the street and carrying signs with large sticks that could be used as weapons.

Come back, everyone! Defy fascist crackdown

“Once we had sufficient [armed] officers in place, they utilized great restraint in dealing with circumstances that could have escalated into significant police action,” the police department’s Facebook post said.

Police were able to contact the organizers of the protest and eventually disperse the majority of the crowd without incident, the post said. More + PHOTOS + VIDEO

I'll tell you what, guys: I'm going to extend the lockdown. - You go, Gav. You The Man now.