A New Jersey woman was charged for organizing a “prohibited event” against Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kim Pagan was charged Friday after organizing a protest outside of Trenton’s Statehouse demanding New Jersey reopen its economy so workers can get back to their jobs. Pagan was not arrested but instead was issued a summons. Violations of emergency orders carry a sentence of up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine.
“It was a peaceful protest, and the streets were not gridlocked as seen during other protests in other states. However, officers still wrote summonses to those in their cars. There was at least one arrest. This infringement on the First Amendment will not stand. We offer our support to those fighting this,” Central Jersey Libertarians posted on its Facebook page.
The group also shared a video that shows people honking their car horns and shouting, “We have the right to peacefully protest,” while an officer walks by.
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Murphy issued stay-at-home orders for the nearly 9 million New Jersey residents in March. The orders include wearing face masks while grocery shopping, picking up take-out orders, or riding public transit and prohibits all social gatherings.
State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal warned in a tweet, “If you think emergency orders are more like guidelines than actual rules, think again.”
If you think emergency orders are more like guidelines than actual rules, think again. Here’s the latest on our enforcement actions: https://t.co/9kNEDJ4TNC
I know social distancing isn’t exactly enjoyable, but now’s not the time for fun & games. Please stay home & stay safe.
— AG Gurbir Grewal (@NewJerseyOAG) April 17, 2020
The state’s Democratic governor also weighed in on the protests, saying, “I respect your right to protest but trust us on this, we’re basing this on the facts, please stay home.”
Protests of stay-at-home orders are cropping up across the nation, including in Michigan, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Michigan notably saw thousands of protesters flooded outside the state capitol building earlier this week, waving American and “Trump 2020” flags while chanting, “Lock her up,” regarding Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
