Protesters Storm Arizona Capitol Building During Coronavirus Lockdown Rally

Protesters rallying against the coronavirus lockdown measures in Arizona went through security screenings and entered the Arizona state capitol on Monday, April 20.

According to reports, the “Patriot’s Day Rally”, which was organized by a group called Reopen Arizona, started at noon in Phoenix. Monday was the second day of protests in Phoenix; on Sunday, more than 100 vehicles circled the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, honking horns in the call to action for businesses to reopen.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s office issued a statement in response to the protests, saying: "We appreciate the passion expressed by Arizonans today, and we share their desire to get back to normal as quickly as possible.

“Governor Ducey is working closely with President Trump, Vice President Pence, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. Cara Christ and state, local and federal health experts to implement the latest guidance from CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and the White House.

“Every decision we make will continue to be informed by public health and a commitment to reenergizing our economy when it is responsible and safe to do so.”

Similar protests had been held across the United States in the preceding days. In this video, protesters can be heard chanting “reopen Arizona”.

On Monday, Arizona had a confirmed COVID-19 case total of 5,064, and 187 deaths connected to the coronavirus. Credit: Scott Weinberg via Storyful