ANTI-MASK DEMONSTRATION
People hold signs and chant as they march across the Roberto Clemente Bridge toward Downtown during the “Americans for Freedom Rally” to protest mask mandates and the result of the recent presidential election.
About 150 protesters, some hoisting U.S. and other flags, marched into Downtown for a midmorning rally Sunday at Point State Park, airing grievances on topics ranging from the state’s mask mandate to the results of the 2020 presidential election.
The crowd, escorted by police on motorcycles and bicycles, set off from the North Shore near PNC Park a little after 9:45 a.m. and walked several abreast in chilly temperatures but bright sunshine, occasionally chanting “USA USA,” “What do we want? Freedom!” and “Impeach Wolf!” a reference to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.
As they marched, they raised topics from gender identity to individual rights. They encountered no counterdemonstrators.
Among those leading the march as it crossed the Roberto Clemente Bridge was
Chris Fromme, 67, of Ross. He saidhe wears a mask when he isrequired to under COVID-19 rules but added that he
believes it’s a shame. He said he hoped his presence would send a message that “freedom istenuous.”
There were occasional jabs at the election of President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump, fueled by unfounded contentions that Mr. Biden’s win was illegitimate.
“You didn’t win Pennsylvania, Joe,” one protester said as he marched. (Mr. Biden won Pennsylvania by about 85,000 votes.)
The crowd grew to about 200 inside the park as the rally began. Once there, Virginia Zinza, 44, a Lawrence County member of the Patriot Party of Pennsylvania, stood holding a large Second Amendment flag.
Ms. Zinza said she came to the rally to make clear that she believes individual rights are in danger of slipping away. She talked about cancel culture and the right to bear arms.
“A lot of people are afraid that’s going to be taken away from them,” she said.
Several state and local politicians and candidates spoke. So did conservative radio host Wendy Bell, who appeared to be the most anticipated speakers.
She questioned why people advocating for their principles could be considered a threat.
“I’ll bet some of you were even at the big insurrection on Jan. 6, peacefully assembling, listening to the real president of the United States,” Ms. Bell said to cheers, referring to a rally Mr. Trump addressed near the White House that day.
Of the Trump supporters who then stormed the U.S. Capitol shortly after that rally — causing five deaths, scores of injuries and general pandemonium — Ms. Bell called it “wrong, and we all know that,” but she insisted that Mr. Trump cannot be blamed for something
A group called the Pennsylvania Freedom Campaign sought and received a city permit for the rally from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., city spokes-man Timothy McNulty said.