Tri-Cities protesters defy stay-at-home order to rally in Richland

More than 100 protesters lined sidewalks along George Washington Way in Richland on Sunday.

They came to John Dam Plaza to wave American flags and signs, angry over Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order to slow the new coronavirus.

A few wore face masks but many stood shoulder to shoulder along the roadway in defiance of social distancing guidelines.

Some were armed with pistols in holsters on their hips and chanted, “Freedom for America,” and “We will not comply.”

Others held signs that said, “Making a Living is Essential,” and “Just Stand Up for Freedom.”

The event was similar to many rallies in the Northwest and the U.S. by some frustrated that the efforts to stop the COVID-19 death toll have taken a devastating hit on the economy.

On Saturday, more than 50 boaters and hundreds of others took to the Columbia River and shoreline at Columbia Point in Richland to object to the fishing ban included in the stay-home restrictions.

This story was originally published April 19, 2020 at 3:59 PM.