Hundreds line streets in Brookfield to protest Gov. Evers' Safer at Home order
BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Protesters gathered in Waukesha County Saturday, April 18, frustrated over Wisconsin’s Stay-at-Home Orders.
This week, Governor Tony Evers extended the order for another month, through May 26.
On Saturday, several hundred people lined the streets near Bluemound and Moorland Road -- outside Brookfield Square Mall. To them, their message to Gov. Evers is simple: Open Wisconsin.
"This is going way better than they predicted it would. There’s way less effect on the public and it’s beyond time to open up the state and get people back to work," said Dan Sebring, protester.
"I understand the fear but we have to take the chance cause if this country, and our state, doesn’t get back to work we’re going to go into a deep, deep recession or depression," said Carol Greco, protester.
For more than two hours, folks stood around Brookfield Square Mall with their signs and their flags. A few of the protesters were also wearing masks. Many drivers passed by honking their horns in solidarity.
On Thursday, April 16, Gov. Evers extended his Stay at Home order through May 26 in the interest of public health.
“Overtime people will get back to work," Evers said. "But the bottom line is that our businesses, our workers and us as consumers can’t be confident if we’re not confident about our safety and our health.”
To date, the Wisconsin Department of Health Service reports nearly 4,200 confirmed cases in the state. In Waukesha County, the number of positive cases is 259.
“We are fighting for our first amendment rights," said Angela Lydia, a protester and furloughed retail employee. "This is the greatest nation on the earth and I’m scared of communism, socialism. It starts little by little from the inside and I think that’s what’s going on.”
“We don’t need to ruin our economy and keep healthy people inside when they can be going to work," another protester added.
CBS 58 reached out to Gov. Evers' office for comment on the protest.
Huge protest against the extension of Wisconsin’s Safer at Home orders.
— Kim Shine (@KimShineCBS58) April 18, 2020
Hundreds of people have been lined up 2+ hours near Bluemound & Moorland in #Brookfield. pic.twitter.com/IZWdiWBm4f
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