(NM) Hundreds gather for protest against quarantining, masks, governor's handling of COVID-19

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- ‘Cowboys for Trump’ joined the ‘New Mexico Civil Guard’, political figures, business and religious leaders Thursday at the "Protest for Freedom" in Albuquerque. Hundreds of attendees, some armed with guns, protested the governor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic at Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque. Children, who were not wearing masks, were seen at the protest with signs. The signs asked to be allowed to play sports and return to school.

Steve Smothermon, pastor at Legacy Church, which had a lawsuit over the public health order thrown out, spoke at the protest. "To see how America is just so easily been manipulated and told what to do without even a fight, and today we start fighting," Smothermon said. "They need to know this is over. Today we start fighting for our freedoms."

Speakers also expressed opposition to quarantining, the mask requirement and restaurants closing indoor dining. In general, they claimed their freedoms are being limited. Several Republican politicians also had harsh criticism of the governor decision-making. "Big government telling us we can't sit in a restaurant but we can sit outside or we can crowd into Walmart," said Scott Chandler who is running for the state House seat for district 32. "None of it makes sense."

The protest, which remained peaceful, lasted about two hours. The Albuquerque Police Department appeared to be monitoring the event. However, KOB 4 did not witness anyone receiving a citation for not wearing a mask or having a gun.

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/dozens-gather-for-protest-against-quarantining-masks-governors-handling-of-covid-19/5796697/