'Liberate' Protesters Gather Outside Baker's Swampscott Home

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Protesters gathered near the home of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Monument Avenue in Swampscott Thursday to pressure the governor to ease restrictions on businesses aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus.

Conservative talk radio host Dianna Ploss sent an email to listeners Wednesday asking them to conduct protests similar to ones that have been held in other states. Ploss, who is a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, suggested coronavirus concerns have been blown out of proportion. In her email, she was particularly critical of Baker's decision to order churches and gun stores closed through at least May 4.

"This isn't being done to punish anybody, OK?" Baker said when asked about the protest at his press briefing Wednesday. "It's being done to try to keep people safe and it's being done based on data and information on an unprecedented virus as we gather it and as it comes together."

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About a dozen vehicles, several of which were covered in American flags and Trump 2020 stickers, drove back and forth in front of Baker's home Thursday morning.

Trump has encouraged demonstrators in the Liberate protests held in other states, including Ohio, Michigan and Texas. Conservatives say Democratic governors and mayors, as well as centrist Republican officials like Baker, have gone overboard in issuing stay-at-home orders and advisories.

"The number of cases and deaths due to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Virus are being exaggerated. And, YOU know it, Governor Baker!" Ploss wrote in her message to supporters. "This is being done in order to scare and frighten people, all while allowing you the opportunity to exert your control. We want the REAL numbers!"

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Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).