Protesters took their cars around the streets of the Capital and the Governor’s Mansion. Those who attended the Connecticut Liberty Rally feel their rights are being infringed upon and call the pandemic shutdown unconstitutional. This rally, like others seen around the nation, called for Governor Ned Lamont to reopen the state immediately.
"They totally shut down the country," said Rich Mills. "They destroyed the economy. It’s just ridiculous."
The shouts and honks from passing protesters were clear, "open the state".
"I believe that the United States government is taking full control of the people and I’m totally against it," said Mills.
Mills like some others in the crowd called for a gradual reopening of the state’s economy. They asked for workplaces, small businesses, churches and more to reopen. Organizers of the event want to see that happen immediately.
"We didn’t do it for two world wars. We didn’t do it for 9/11. We didn’t do it for the Spanish flu. At a certain point, life is dangerous. We all obviously don’t get out of this alive, but at the same time life has to go on," said Dan Reale, Chair of the Libertarian Party.
The Libertarian Party of Connecticut says the Governor’s actions are an overreach of authority and hurting small businesses. They feel common sense doesn’t need to be mandated.
"They keep moving the goalposts. We keep giving, they keep taking," said Reale. "The bottom line is this a happy medium should be common sense."
Not all in attendance were in support of the movement. One anti-protester says she has lost a loved one to COVID-19 and believes the precautions are necessary to save lives.
"There are a lot of single families. There are a lot of companies losing business and I understand that," said the woman. "This cannot happen right now. I have already lost somebody, and I don’t want to lose three more."
Governor Ned Lamont says evidence shows that the executive orders are working to flatten the curve.
"This is no time to take our eye off the ball. I liked it when Dr. [Albert] Ko leading the re-open Connecticut effort when asked that question he said I’d like those demonstrators to walk through one of my ICU units and see what pain and hurt and fatalities can result from this pandemic," said Gov. Lamont.
President Donald Trump has left reopening plans up to individual states. As of now Connecticut is evaluating whether to reopen on May 20th but may move the date back.
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