Anti-mask Protest Temporarily Shuts Down Fresno Trader Joe's

A group of "Burn the Mask" protestors managed to temporarily close a Trader Joe's in Fresno on Saturday, January 1.

The anti-mask protestors blocked the entrance of the grocery store at one point after being turned away for not wearing masks, according to police.

The location decided to close its doors early as a result of the protesters.

One protestor read a list of reasons why Trader Joe's had to serve him despite his refusal to wear a mask inside the store, according to SFGate. Protestors then began to write down the names of employees based on their name tags, claiming they would be "legally prosecuted" for not letting them enter the store.

Police stayed at the scene while the protesters remained in the parking lot.

There have been many anti-mask protests around the U.S. since many city's and stores began to put mask requirements into effect as a way to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Anti-mask protesters claim that mask-wearing violates their civil liberties. However, legal experts say requiring a mask during a global pandemic does not violate any civil liberties.

Many have also claimed that mask requirements violate the First Amendment, but over 2020 courts ruled that individuals do not have the right to ignore public health requirements.

Photo: Getty Images