In Raleigh North Carolina, four lockdown protesters were arrested for merely standing on a sidewalk. They were demanding that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper reopen the economy and end his state at home order.
The News and Observer reported:
Hundreds of protesters crowded into downtown Raleigh on Tuesday for a third week of rallying aimed at reversing Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-home order for North Carolina.
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A group of hairdressers from Washington, N.C., came with scissors made from pool noodles and aluminum foil, urging a return to business. Barbers and hairdressers have been unable to work because of the governor’s order.
“Every job is essential,” said Danielle Wells, a salon owner. “Every job matters.”
Last week Cooper announced that he was going to extend the stay at home order to May 8th. He did not feel that he can relax restrictions.
“The thing we have to put first and foremost is the public health and safety of North Carolinians,” Cooper said. “We have to make sure that things are safe. I’m very eager to move into our phases of reopening. We have a way to look at the indicators to tell us how fast we are going to get there. I hope we move through these as quickly as possible.”
Earlier during the rally one protestor challenge police putting his hands together and said, “Take me to jail for not violating the law,” he said. “Take me to jail.” The police officers walked away.
As the ReopenNC rally started to wind down 100 protesters went to Blount Street in front fo the governor’s mansion. State Capitol Police closed the sidewalk forcing protesters into the street. Four protestors who were standing trying to stay out of the street were arrested for standing on a public sidewalk. Police claimed they were being arrested for failing to follow police instructions. They did not give a reason for why they closed the sidewalk, counter-protestors were not standing in the area.
