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Anti-lockdown protesters hit the U.S. COVID epicenter: New Yorkers rally in city where more than 13,000 have died for an end to stay-at-home orders while tensions flare with police at 'freedom' rallies across the country(50 Pics)

Anti-lockdown protesters have taken to the streets of New York City - the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. - as thousands...

Anti-lockdown protesters have taken to the streets of New York City - the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. - as thousands others demonstrate across the country to demand an end to stay-at-home orders.
Demonstrators gathered outside of City Hall in Manhattan in solidarity with people in California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Washington, Ohio and Illinois calling for 'freedom' for millions who have been kept inside for weeks to stop the spread of the virus that has killed 65,000 Americans.
More than 13,000 people have been killed by COVID-19 in the city since the pandemic began and the social distancing guidelines are set to be in place until at least May 15.
The NYPD watched as the crowd marched through Manhattan's Financial District in solidarity with the armed protesters waving MAGA flags and carrying weapons who have surrounded city halls, state houses and beaches across the country in revolt at what they see as draconian measures.
While the New York City crowd were fired-up and vocal, rainy conditions foiled a larger turnout.  
Elsewhere, it was a different story. In California, tensions flared between cops and angry residents in Sacramento and Los Angeles amid anger over Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to close the beaches and limit the population to a list of activities.
Meanwhile, several men marched on the capitol building in Raleigh, North Carolina, armed with automatic rifles, demanding Governor Roy Cooper lift lockdowns that have been extended until May 8.
Over in Ohio, armed protestors marched on the statehouse in Columbus - the same day the state's lockdown was extended until the end of May.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee also extended the state's lockdown Friday, despite demonstrators in Seattle calling for the state to reopen.    
The protests have been going on for weeks as states begin to flatten the curve and the virus begins to slow. Many governors and elected officials have relaxed some of the strict ordinances, but many are still angry that they can't leave their homes.
They claim the shutting down of the economy is more damaging than the virus itself and are demanding residents be allowed to choose for themselves if they can go outside.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A handful of protesters marched down the eerily empty streets of Downtown Manhattan Friday
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A handful of protesters marched down the eerily empty streets of Downtown Manhattan Friday
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A crowd of protesters gathered in Downtown Manhattan flying American flags and loudly chanting for the state to reopen - despite the fact hundred of residents are still dying from COVID-19 each day
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A crowd of protesters gathered in Downtown Manhattan flying American flags and loudly chanting for the state to reopen - despite the fact hundred of residents are still dying from COVID-19 each day
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A masked police officer makes his way through a crowd of 'MAGA May Day' anti-lockdown protesters
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A masked police officer makes his way through a crowd of 'MAGA May Day' anti-lockdown protesters 
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: One protester shielded his face with an American flag bandanna
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: One protester shielded his face with an American flag bandanna
Columbus, Ohio
Armed protesters descended on the Ohio statehouse in Columbus again Friday, as Governor Mike DeWine extended the state's lockdown until the end of May.
Groups of protesters - most of them not wearing face masks - gathered on the steps of the capitol building with guns, flags, megaphones and banners demanding an end to lockdown and calling for businesses to reopen. 
Several demonstrators waved Donald Trump paraphernalia and held up signs with slogans including: 'Church is essential' 'Shutdowns kill too!' and 'Wanted for domestic terrorism - DeWine Acton'.
One protester was seen ignoring social distancing by confronting a state trooper and coming up close to his face. 
Similar scenes have taken place outside Ohio's statehouse for more than 3 weeks now.
Governor DeWine and Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health, took the brunt of the demonstrators' anger because of their roles leading the state's response to the pandemic.  
In a press conference Friday, DeWine released the details of a new executive order as the current stay-at-home order is set to expire at at 11:59 p.m.
He branded the new order a 'Stay Safe Ohio' order rather than a stay-at-home order and revealed a relaxation to existing measures, including the reopening of more businesses and services.
The new order will be in effect through May 29.  
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Armed protesters descended on the Ohio statehouse in Columbus again Friday, as Governor Mike DeWine extended the state's lockdown until the end of May
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Armed protesters descended on the Ohio statehouse in Columbus again Friday, as Governor Mike DeWine extended the state's lockdown until the end of May
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Demonstrators protest outside the statehouse in opposition of Governor DeWine's stay-at-home order
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Demonstrators protest outside the statehouse in opposition of Governor DeWine's stay-at-home order
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Groups of protesters - most of them not wearing face masks - gathered on the steps of the capitol building with guns, flags, megaphones and banners demanding an end to lockdown
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Groups of protesters - most of them not wearing face masks - gathered on the steps of the capitol building with guns, flags, megaphones and banners demanding an end to lockdown
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Protesters hold up signs declaring Ohio Governor DeWine is 'wanted for domestic terrorism' for stay-at-home orders to protect citizens from the threat of coronavirus
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Protesters hold up signs declaring Ohio Governor DeWine is 'wanted for domestic terrorism' for stay-at-home orders to protect citizens from the threat of coronavirus
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Two protesters in gas masks hold up signs asking if self isolation is 'the new normal' and complaining Ohio is being turned from red state to (Russian) red state
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Two protesters in gas masks hold up signs asking if self isolation is 'the new normal' and complaining Ohio is being turned from red state to (Russian) red state
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Other right wing protesters turn the demonstration into a complaint about other political issues such as abortion
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Other right wing protesters turn the demonstration into a complaint about other political issues such as abortion
COLUMBUS, OHIO: A Trump supporter holds up a sign that reads 'Church is essential' in front of the Ohio statehouse while a MAGA flag waves behind her
COLUMBUS, OHIO: A Trump supporter holds up a sign that reads 'Church is essential' in front of the Ohio statehouse while a MAGA flag waves behind her
COLUMBUS, OHIO: A demonstrator confronts a state trooper at Friday's protests as they demand the state is reopened
COLUMBUS, OHIO: A demonstrator confronts a state trooper at Friday's protests as they demand the state is reopened
COLUMBUS, OHIO:  One protester calling for businesses to reopen and lockdown to end wore an American flag as a face mask
COLUMBUS, OHIO:  One protester calling for businesses to reopen and lockdown to end wore an American flag as a face mask
COLUMBUS, OHIO: One demonstrator called for the state to reopen by July 4 so the nation can celebrate America's independence
COLUMBUS, OHIO: One demonstrator called for the state to reopen by July 4 so the nation can celebrate America's independence
COLUMBUS, OHIO: A family brought their young children along to the protest, with the children not wearing masks
COLUMBUS, OHIO: A family brought their young children along to the protest, with the children not wearing masks
Seattle, Washington 
In Seattle, people protesting against Washington state's stay-at-home order were seen waving US flags throughout the day Friday, while the state announced that afternoon an extension to lockdown until the end of May.
Demonstrators marched on downtown Seattle sporting Trump merchandise and waving banners calling for an end to lockdown across the state. 
Signs reading phrases like 'Reopen Washington. #TyrannyKills #SocialismKills' and 'Control is not leadership' were held aloft by people wanting to return to normal daily life. 
One woman dressed up as the Statue of Liberty and held up a sign saying 'I will not comply' 
May Day usually draws crowds of protesters for various causes in Seattle and this year was no different.
As well as anti-lockdown demonstrators, people were seen protesting outside Amazon Spheres in Seattle demanding the Seattle City Council tax the city's largest businesses.
U.S. employees of Amazon, its supermarket subsidiary Whole Foods and supermarket delivery services were called to strike on May 1 across the country. 
Washington state Governor Jay Inslee has held firm with the stay-at-home order and refused to reopen the state for business.
On Friday Inslee announced the statewide stay-at-home order set to expire May 4 has been extended through May 31.
He also revealed his four-phase reopening plan for businesses across the state while continuing with social distancing practices.
He said each phase would run for a minimum of three weeks, though some lower-risk counties could reopen sooner.
This comes as the death toll reached 819 and confirmed cases 14,986 across the state.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: In Seattle, people protesting against Washington state's stay-at-home order were seen waving US flags throughout the day Friday
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: In Seattle, people protesting against Washington state's stay-at-home order were seen waving US flags throughout the day Friday
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: One woman dressed up as the Statue of Liberty and held up a sign saying 'I will not comply'
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: One woman dressed up as the Statue of Liberty and held up a sign saying 'I will not comply'
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Protesters wearing face masks participate in a protest at the Amazon Spheres to demand the Seattle City Council tax the city's largest businesses
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Protesters wearing face masks participate in a protest at the Amazon Spheres to demand the Seattle City Council tax the city's largest businesses
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Police watch as protesters circle the block during a 'car caravan' protest at the Amazon Spheres
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Police watch as protesters circle the block during a 'car caravan' protest at the Amazon Spheres
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: U.S. employees of Amazon, its supermarket subsidiary Whole Foods and supermarket delivery services were called to strike on May 1
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: U.S. employees of Amazon, its supermarket subsidiary Whole Foods and supermarket delivery services were called to strike on May 1
SEATTLE, WASINGTON: A group of Libertarian anti-tax protesters are confronted by people in favor of taxing Seattle's largest businesses
SEATTLE, WASINGTON: A group of Libertarian anti-tax protesters are confronted by people in favor of taxing Seattle's largest businesses
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: May Day usually draws crowds of protesters for various causes in Seattle and this year was no different
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: May Day usually draws crowds of protesters for various causes in Seattle and this year was no different
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Police officers on bicycles gather outside a Starbucks to observe the protests
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Police officers on bicycles gather outside a Starbucks to observe the protests
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: As well as anti-lockdown demonstrators, people were seen protesting outside Amazon Spheres in Seattle demanding the Seattle City Council tax the city's largest businesses
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: As well as anti-lockdown demonstrators, people were seen protesting outside Amazon Spheres in Seattle demanding the Seattle City Council tax the city's largest businesses
SEATLE, WASHINGTON: A protester stands on her car and blocks traffic as she participates in a 'car caravan' protest at the Amazon Spheres
SEATLE, WASHINGTON: A protester stands on her car and blocks traffic as she participates in a 'car caravan' protest at the Amazon Spheres
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Protesters hold up signs saying 'Unionize Amazon. Tax Bezos.'
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Protesters hold up signs saying 'Unionize Amazon. Tax Bezos.'
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Washington state Governor Jay Inslee has held firm with the stay-at-home order and refused to reopen the state for business
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Washington state Governor Jay Inslee has held firm with the stay-at-home order and refused to reopen the state for business
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Members of a group wearing shirts with the logo of the far-right Proud Boys group (right) argue with a counter protester
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Members of a group wearing shirts with the logo of the far-right Proud Boys group (right) argue with a counter protester
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: On Friday Governor Inslee announced the statewide stay-at-home order set to expire May 4 has been extended through May 31
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: On Friday Governor Inslee announced the statewide stay-at-home order set to expire May 4 has been extended through May 31
Raleigh, North Carolina
Several rallies have been held in Raleigh, North Carolina in recent days, with protesters urging North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to lift lockdown orders which have been extended until May 8. 
But on Friday, nearly a dozen armed men marched towards the Old Capitol Building in defiance of social distancing recommendations and pleas to stay home. 
Several members of the group openly brandished semi-automatic weapons as they made their way to the building.  
According to the News & Observer, the men were told they cannot protest while openly carrying their firearms. 
'We were told we can't use our 1st Amendment and our 2nd Amendment at the same time. We'll be back on Tuesday to do the 1st,' one told the publication. 
Across North Carolina there have been 10,509 coronavirus cases and 378 deaths. 
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA:  Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets at demonstrations across the country ordering an end of to government mandated lockdowns issued amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA:  Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets at demonstrations across the country ordering an end of to government mandated lockdowns issued amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: A group of young men held semiautomatic weapons as they marched towards the city's Old Capitol Building
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: A group of young men held semiautomatic weapons as they marched towards the city's Old Capitol Building
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: The group were told by officers they were unable to protest while simultaneously openly carrying their guns
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: The group were told by officers they were unable to protest while simultaneously openly carrying their guns 
Sacramento and Los Angeles, California
 Around 400 people turned out for a 'ReOpen California rally in the state capitol of California, with many protester creating posters and placards that criticized Governor Gavin Newsom who has ordered state residents to stay home as coronavirus cases continue to increase.   
Several demonstrators clashed with police officers outside the California Capitol Building on Friday, after they were refused a permit to protest. 
Further south in Los Angeles, hundreds more protesters also turned out to show their disdain for Governor Newsom's orders.  
Across California there have been 48,917 coronavirus cases, 1982 deaths. 
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA:  A crowd of 400 protesters turned out for the ReOpen California rally
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA:  A crowd of 400 protesters turned out for the ReOpen California rally 
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Protesters from 'ReOpen California' are removed from the steps of the Capitol by California Highway Patrol officers as they demonstrate outside the State Capitol despite being refused a permit
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Protesters from 'ReOpen California' are removed from the steps of the Capitol by California Highway Patrol officers as they demonstrate outside the State Capitol despite being refused a permit
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hundred turned up to a 'We Have Rights' rally in Los Angeles, where demonstrators appeared to tussle with police
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hundred turned up to a 'We Have Rights' rally in Los Angeles, where demonstrators appeared to tussle with police 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: L.A. lockdown protesters descended upon City Hall, and unfurled graphic banners that took aim at Governor Gavin Newsom
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: L.A. lockdown protesters descended upon City Hall, and unfurled graphic banners that took aim at Governor Gavin Newsom 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: L.A. lockdown protesters descended upon City Hall, and unfurled graphic banners that took aim at Governor Gavin Newsom
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: L.A. lockdown protesters descended upon City Hall, and unfurled graphic banners that took aim at Governor Gavin Newsom
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: One woman even held up a sign which featured a swastika and read 'Welcome to NaziFornia'
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: One woman even held up a sign which featured a swastika and read 'Welcome to NaziFornia'
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Protesters are pictured at a rally in Huntington Beach, which has long been a Republican enclave in largely liberal Southern California
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Protesters are pictured at a rally in Huntington Beach, which has long been a Republican enclave in largely liberal Southern California 
Huntington Beach, California  
 Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters also assembled on the boardwalk at Huntington Beach, Orange County. The beach was packed with sunseekers last week, prompting Gov Newsom to order it closed.
 Many who have been stuck inside for weeks criticized him for policing the population, mocked him for trying to be an 'all-powerful' leader. 
 Huntington Beach council has now voted to sue the governor for closing the beach.
'Governor Newsom's mandate to close all beaches in Orange County today was a jarring decision that significantly impacts us here in Huntington Beach,' Mayor Lyn Semeta said in a statement.  
'Given that Orange County has among the lowest per-capita COVID-19 death rates in California, the action by the state prioritizes politics over data, in direct contradiction of the Governor's stated goal to allow science and facts to guide our response to this horrible global pandemic.'

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters also assembled on the boardwalk at Huntington Beach, Orange County. The beach was packed with sunseekers last week, prompting Gov Newsom to order it closed
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters also assembled on the boardwalk at Huntington Beach, Orange County. The beach was packed with sunseekers last week, prompting Gov Newsom to order it closed
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Huntington Beach council has now voted to sue the governor for closing the beach
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Huntington Beach council has now voted to sue the governor for closing the beach
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: One surfer was less than impressed with Gov Newsom for closing the beach
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: One surfer was less than impressed with Gov Newsom for closing the beach 
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Locals in a convertible Jeep showed their support for the rally, driving through the crowds with handmade signs
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Locals in a convertible Jeep showed their support for the rally, driving through the crowds with handmade signs 
Upstate New York  
Several small protests popped up across New York state, which has been hard hit by the virus. 
In the town of Commack, dozens waved large American flags and chanted for Gov Andrew Cuomo to reopen the state. 
In the state capital of Albany, protesters appeared to hold much more personal resentment for Gov Cuomo who resides in the city. 
Several brandished signs calling for his resignation, while one compared him to Hitler - waving a poster which read 'Adolf Cuomo'.  
COMMACK, NEW YORK: One elaborately dressed protester turned out to a rowdy rally in upstate New York
COMMACK, NEW YORK: One elaborately dressed protester turned out to a rowdy rally in upstate New York
COMMACK, NEW YORK: Crowds of passionate protesters lined up beside a busy road
COMMACK, NEW YORK: Crowds of passionate protesters lined up beside a busy road 
ALBANY, NEW YORK: In the state capital of Albany, protesters appeared to hold much more personal resentment for Gov Cuomo who resides in the city
ALBANY, NEW YORK: In the state capital of Albany, protesters appeared to hold much more personal resentment for Gov Cuomo who resides in the city
ALBANY, NEW YORK: One protester braved the rain to hold up a sign calling for Gov Cuomo's resignation
ALBANY, NEW YORK: One protester braved the rain to hold up a sign calling for Gov Cuomo's resignation
Chicago, Illinois 
In Chicago, hundreds of protesters turned out to call for an end to stay-at-home orders which have dragged on there for more than a month. 
A group by the name of Freedom Movement USA organized the rally, which featured a six hours worth of scheduled speakers. 
The protest ran from 9am until 3pm. A small crowd of counter-protesters also showed up, but were vastly outnumbered. 
The state has seen 52,918 coronavirus cases and 2,355 deaths. 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: There was a large turnout at an anti-lockdown rally in Chicago, with many ignoring advice to wear face masks in public
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: There was a large turnout at an anti-lockdown rally in Chicago, with many ignoring advice to wear face masks in public 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: A group by the name of Freedom Movement USA organized the rally, which featured a six hours worth of scheduled speakers
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: A group by the name of Freedom Movement USA organized the rally, which featured a six hours worth of scheduled speakers
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The state has seen 52,918 coronavirus cases and 2,355 deaths
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The state has seen 52,918 coronavirus cases and 2,355 deaths

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