Coronavirus restriction protesters descend on Arizona Capitol for rally

PHOENIX — Hundreds of protesters, many ignoring social distancing recommendations, gathered at the Arizona Capitol on Monday afternoon, pushing back on government-imposed restrictions designed to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Chanting “Open Arizona!,” “Ducey come out!” and other slogans, many protesters carried American flags and wore clothing showing support for President Donald Trump. But few kept the recommended 6 feet away from others or wore protective face masks.

“The Bill of Rights has no exceptions for pandemics,” Jeremy Graham, 35, of Tempe said.

Protesters marching to state capital to call for “reopening” of state’s economy. ⁦@KTAR923⁩ pic.twitter.com/e9YxFiM0ms

— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) April 20, 2020

Arizona businesses, other than ones deemed essential, have been closed since March 31 under an executive order issued by Gov. Doug Ducey. The order was set to run until at least April 30, but Monday’s protesters were in no mood to wait any longer than they already have.

When asked for a response to the protest, Ducey’s office issued the following statement:

“We appreciate the passion expressed by Arizonans today, and we share their desire to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Governor Ducey is working closely with President Trump, Vice President Pence, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. Cara Christ and state, local and federal health experts to implement the latest guidance from CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and the White House. Every decision we make will continue to be informed by public health and a commitment to reenergizing our economy when it is responsible and safe to do so.”

A small number of health care workers were on hand, wearing face masks, to counter the protesters’ message.

One held a sign that read “We know you’re frustrated but we need your help #pleasestayhome.”

Protesters crammed together in a park across from the Capitol to hear from two state lawmakers and others before marching toward Ducey’s office. Some went inside the building that houses the Republican’s offices.

A handful of police stood watch but did not break up the protest. Ducey’s office did not say if there would be consequences to gathering in violation of his stay-at-home order.

Ducey’s order allows “engaging in constitutionally protected activities such as speech and religion” as long as it’s “conducted in a manner that provides appropriate physical distancing to the extent feasible.”

The governor has been cautious in describing how and when he might ease the restrictions that he issued.

He said last week that there are signs the number of infections may be stabilizing, but he wants to see more data before starting to reopen the economy.

Arizona, and the rest of the U.S., has seen a massive increase in unemployment filings as people who lost their jobs apply for benefits. The state reported it had more than 95,000 new claims last week, bringing the four-week total to more than 342,000. The average before the virus hit was about 3,500 claims a week.

“We need to open up the state, we need to open up the country,” said Michael Apodaca, a 66-year-old retiree from Scottsdale who wore a hat supporting Trump at the protest. “The people reject what they’ve done, and they reject the notion of taking our rights.”

People in cars and trucks drove in circles around the Capitol honking horns and waving flags. One pickup truck had a sign in the back urging people to ignore the stay-at-home order, saying “tyranny only works if we comply.”

The Patriots’ Day Rally came a day after a drive-by protest where dozens of cars circumvented the state Capitol. The demonstration echoes several others around the nation outside state Capitols and governors’ mansions.

In states such as Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, small-government groups and supporters of right-wing causes have united behind a deep suspicion of efforts to shut down daily life to slow the spread of COVID-19. Frustrated demonstrators have also visibly ignored social distancing rules while holding signs and protesting together.

Trump last week unveiled a framework for governors to follow to open their states back up. But he acknowledged they will have the final say on when their state is ready. Health experts warn that lifting restrictions too quickly could result in a surge of new cases.

There are now more than 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Arizona. The latest totals are 5,064 cases and 187 deaths, the state Department of Health Services said on its website Monday.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Peter Samore and Taylor Kinnerup and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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