Ruptly A large number of protesters took to the streets of Richmond, Virginia, on rallying on foot and in cars, demanding the 'liberation' of the state, on Wednesday, calling for the economy to be reopened, and to relax the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus. Footage shot on Wednesday shows protesters honking their horns, waving US and pro-Trump flags, as they urged governor Ralph Northam to ease stay-at-home restrictions and closures of shops. Security officials blocking the entrance to the street next to the State Capitol Square could also be spotted. Eugene Delgaudio, Public Advocate President said: "The governor should wake up and understand it's time to open up Virginia, Liberate Virginia is a battle pride for people to simply pay attention to the real things that are important, religious liberty and economic liberty are what help make this country healthy." Another protester, Tom Speciale, discussed the use of the term 'liberate' by US President Trump in several tweets, saying: "[It's] because of this governor, because this governor is basically being recognised more and more for what he is and that is a tyrant. So to throw off the chains of a tyrant you have to liberate, and that's why he is using that term." Similar protests demanding the end of lockdown measures implemented to slow the spread of the virus have been held in several other states in recent days, including in New York, Texas and Michigan.
