Turning Point USA held a small rally near the University of Arizona Administration Building on Tuesday, Nov. 9.
The rally was held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and was titled the “Citizens For Medical Freedom Rally.”
A post promoting the rally was posted on the organization’s UA chapter Instagram prior to the event. The post has since been removed from their Instagram.
There were six protesters present in the free speech zone holding signs that toted phrases including “COVID-1984” and “Let’s Go Brandon.”
Protester Nicole Williams said that Turning Point’s UA chapter was protesting masks and vaccine mandates being enforced on the federal and institutional level.
“‘Flatten the curve’ turned into two years,” Williams said, explaining how the protesters believe that the government has been abusing their power by issuing these mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Williams further stated the protestors were receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from passersby. She said that there was the occasional heckler that yelled “fuck you,” but believed that response is common for most movements regardless of the cause.
Williams said that some individuals were afraid to stand with them but showed their support verbally and told the group of picketers they were glad that they were there.
Kenna Deters, a field representative for Turning Point, was handing out flyers for an event featuring Charlie Kirk, which will take place on Monday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. Deters mentioned that mask and vaccine mandates would be addressed at the Kirk event being held at the Tucson Marriott University Park.
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