More than 50 protesters were outside Syracuse City Hall on Friday airing their grievances with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and demanding that the central New York region reopen for business. Protesters displayed American flags, President Trump merchandise and chanted, “We want to work!”
Cars filled with protesters made a loop around downtown streets, honking their horns as they passed by. Protesters brought their families, young and old. Some were in masks, others were not. Dianna Torrisi of Syracuse was among them.
“The government has taken our rights away,” Torrissi said. “We don’t want to collect checks. We want to work.”
Torrissi said businesses in the region can reopen safely, by having people wash their hands, use social distancing, and wear masks.
Some, like Torrissi, believe COVID-19 is real. Others, like Lisa Beccheria of Syracuse, called it a hoax.
“This is political,” Beccheria said. “They’re trying to come down on Trump. Blame it all on President Trump, when President Trump is doing a wonderful job.”
More than 18,000 people in New York State have died from COVID-19, including 34 deaths in Onondaga County.
Large amount of protesters at Syracuse City Hall say Gov. Cuomo is taking too long to open central New York. “We are in a depression,” says one protester. pic.twitter.com/O1FYWNJEqc
— Tom Magnarelli (@TomMagnarelli) May 1, 2020
Protesters have many grievances against Gov. Cuomo. But they say it’s time to open central NY back up. Same cars are going around a loop honking. pic.twitter.com/UcVnrjb0Vh
— Tom Magnarelli (@TomMagnarelli) May 1, 2020
