CNN anchor Don Lemon went on a rant against people who have been publicly protesting against states’ stay-at-home orders, specifically attacking those who brought guns to the events.
Protests designed for people to encourage the reopening of state economies and to voice opposition to restrictive coronavirus measures have taken place in 20 states thus far, and there have been reports of protesters carrying weapons at some of the rallies.
Lemon began his Monday night show by criticizing the protesters, saying that their actions were like a slap across the face of essential workers who “put their lives on the line every day.”
“You’re out there with guns, with weapons strapped to your chest, saying, oh, you want to get — you’re fighting against the people who are telling you to stay at home, trying to save your lives, you’re upset with those people? In the meantime, there are people keeping your cities going, keeping your loved ones alive, and you want to get a haircut? Who the hell do you think you are? What is wrong with people?” he began.
Lemon acknowledged that people have the fundamental right to protest before then bringing up other examples of nonviolent demonstrations, such as athletes kneeling during the national anthem.
“But I don’t want to hear from those people who are out there protesting with guns, right, and that is threatening — a threatening look for people. You’re protesting with guns,” he continued. “Don’t, don’t criticize people who are taking a knee for — at a ball game, entertainment, saying, ‘I don’t want people protesting at a ball game,’ when people are who are peacefully protesting — don’t give me that when you’re out there protesting with guns and saying, ‘I want to get back to work. I want my liberty.'”
Lemon concluded the diatribe by urging the protesters to defend other people who fight against oppressive governments, saying, “Don’t be a hypocrite.”
