In the wake of California Gov. Gavin Newsomâs (D) extended stay-at-home orders, frustrated protesters have flocked to Huntington Beach to push back against the extension.
According to Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy, approximately 2,500 to 3,000 protesters arrived at the pier in Huntington Beach, California, on Friday afternoon.
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Handy explained that the beach closure went into effect that morning. However, their efforts to enforce the closure were relatively light due to their lack of signage.
Protesters carried an array of their own signs and banners. Some of the protestors were heard shouting âNo more Newsomâ and âFreedom.â
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One of the demonstration organizers, TIffany Garcia, spoke with Los Angeles Times to explain the purpose of the protest, arguing their demand to reopen the state.
âWe are moving to fully reopen CA now. Our First Amendment rights are being trampled on completely and we arenât going to stand it anymore,â Garcia told the LA Times. People work their whole lives for their business and they are losing their businesses in a month.â
The protests came hours after Newsomâs press conference on Friday. Although there was a request to override Newsomâs closure of the beaches, a California Superior Court judge declined to do so.
During his conference, Newsom offered a brief statement to protesters warning them to be cautious, noting that the disease does not discriminate. Newsom also urged Californians to protect themselves and the people they love.
âThis disease doesnât know if youâre a protester, a Democrat, a Republican,â the governor said. âProtect yourself, protect your family, your kids, your parents, your grandparents, your neighbors.â
As of Saturday morning, there are more than 52,000 positive coronavirus cases in the state of California. The death toll has topped 2,000 in the state.
California Judge Nathan Scott has scheduled a May 11 hearing to reconsider the request for an injunction.
