Raleigh protesters chant 'Free NC' during march against COVID-19 restrictions

RALEIGH, N.C. (STORYFUL) — Crowds marched through Raleigh, North Carolina on Tuesday to demand the state lift restrictions on individuals and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic

Local reporters on the scene said as many as 500 people gathered to march in the streets and rally at the state capitol building.

Protesters chanted “Free NC” and held signs with slogans that included, “No Fauci, No Gates, No Vaccine,” “Scam-demic,” and, “Even pharaoh freed slaves during a plague.”

On March 27, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued a stay-at-home order for the state, effective through April 29. The order prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people and “directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member.”

Protests against lockdowns and social distancing measures have taken place across the United States in April, including in California, Texas, Wisconsin, Nevada, Maryland, Idaho, Michigan, and Minnesota.