Small bands of protesters have staged demonstrations over the government-ordered lockdowns in the otherwise empty streets of a number of Democratic-led U.S. states, driven by the social-media tactics of a coalition of gun-rights activists and far-right groups.
Mostly in states with Democratic governors and sometimes encouraged by President Donald Trump, protests have sprung up to demand an end to social-distancing measures that have closed schools and businesses. Although relatively small, the gatherings strike an unusual picture these days — people gathered in groups together.
Egged on by libertarian activists like those who favor gun rights, oppose vaccines and other government involvement in individual activity — as well as the conservative Tea Party movement and Trump campaign surrogates — people who have lost livelihoods and life savings because of the shutdown are demanding that the restrictions be lifted, even if that means more people are sickened by COVID-19.