Hannity on armed lockdown protesters: No one should be attempting to intimidate officials with a show of force
Protesters, some of them armed, demonstrated against Gov. Whitmer's stay-at-home orders outside Michigan's Capitol building; reaction from Fox News contributor Dan Bongino and Dave Rubin, author of 'Don't Burn this Book.'
Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.
Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., criticized armed coronavirus lockdown protesters Monday, accusing them of hypocrisy in the way they treated law enforcement at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing last week.
“I just want to point out the hypocrisy of this group, right?" Gallego said on Monday's episode of "The Dean Obeidallah Show" on SiriusXM Progress
"These are the same a--holes, basically, who are always talking about ‘Blue Lives Matter’ and respect authority. And they're the ones that are always b------g about [Colin] Kaepernick ... kneeling for the national anthem. And then they show up and try to intimidate government employees, police officers, with their weapons.”
"Blue Lives Matter" refers to a widespread movement supporitng law enforcement against criticism from the left-wing "Black Lives Matter" movement. Former NFL player Colin Kaerpernick became associated with the "Black Lives Matter" movement after kneeling during "The Star-Spangled Banner" in order to protest systemic racism.
MICHIGAN'S WHITMER SAYS ARMED PROTESTERS DISPLAYED 'WORST RACISM AND AWFUL PARTS' OF US HISTORY
"At the end of the day, it’s ‘Blue Lives Matter’ only if it’s aligned with your political view," Gallego went on. "When it’s not, then I guess it’s okay for you to be an a--hole to cops like these guys.”
More from Media
Gun-carrying protesters have been a common sight at some demonstrations calling for coronavirus-induced restrictions to be lifted. But an armed militia’s involvement in an angry protest inside the Michigan State Capitol on Thursday marked an escalation that drew condemnation and shone a spotlight on the practice of bringing weapons to protest.
CLICK HERE TO GET COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The “American Patriot Rally” started on the statehouse steps, where members of the Michigan Liberty Militia stood guard with weapons and tactical gear, their faces partially covered. They later moved inside the Capitol along with several hundred protesters, who demanded to be let onto the House floor, which is prohibited. Some protesters with guns — which are allowed in the statehouse — went to the Senate gallery, where a senator said some armed men shouted at her, and some senators wore bulletproof vests.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.