Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - While many Americans are filled with fear amidst the coronavirus quarantine, anger is now beginning to be expressed in the form of protests against stay-at-home orders.
'Gridlock Buffalo' is a planned in-car demonstration set for the noon hour Monday in which protesters are asked to arrive at Niagara Square downtown, remain in their vehicles and drive around the circle.
Rus Thompson, a community activist, is planning the protest and tells WBEN he's expecting a strong showing. “Incredible response, more response than I ever expected”, said Thompson on WBEN's Hardline program Sunday.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is hoping Thompson's prediction is wrong and is discouraging people from filling Niagara Square for the demonstration.
“There’s so many things we could start doing right now to help get the economy going without going full bore and letting everyone go back to work, which I think is stupid”, Thompson says.
When challenged that there will be those who may disregard calls to remain in vehicles and maintain social distancing, Thompson couldn't guarantee compliance. "All I can do is ask and request, request of people to do what is right, to stay in your vehicles and please not get out”.
If demonstrators do challenge the current public laws and guidelines, Buffalo Police Captain Jeffrey Rinaldo says they have a plan.
"We will respond accordingly", said Captain Rinaldo. “To unnecessarily jeopardize fellow demonstrators' safety or police officers or other first responders is unnecessary at this point in time”, he adds.
The bottom line, says Mayor Brown? “I would recommend against any kind of protest….I don’t think it’s a wise thing at all."
The signs of frustration come as President Trump has pushed for easing stay-at-home orders and tried to look ahead to restarting the economy.
An AP-NORC survey this month found large majorities support government restrictions, including closing schools, limiting gatherings and shuttering bars and restaurants. Three-quarters of Americans backed requiring people to stay home. And majorities of Democrats and Republicans gave high marks to state and city governments.