Lockdown Protester Spotted In Subway Carrying Rocket Launcher

A lockdown protester was spotted in a US Subway store with a rocket launcher on his back.

Members of a group called Blue Igloo marched through the streets of Raleigh on Saturday (9 May), in opposition to North Carolina's stay-at-home order.

Photographs taken during the demonstration show one person reportedly carrying an inert AT4 rocket launcher over his shoulder and two pistols on his waist.

Several others are also seen with their faces covered and carrying a variety of weapons, such as rifles, shotguns, and even a large wrench.

The candid snaps were taken by photojournalist Travis Long.

Sharing the photos on Twitter, Mr Long wrote: "A group of about 11 mostly-armed demonstrators protesting the stay at home order marched around downtown Raleigh and ordered sandwiches at a Subway."

The demo followed the announcement on Friday (8 May) regarding North Carolina's phased easing of lockdown measures as the state deals with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

These changes stipulated that some businesses, as well as parks, were allowed to reopen as long as they followed the social distancing guidelines. The government also stated that there were to be no gatherings of more than 10 people.

According to The News and Observer, Blue Igloo claimed on its Facebook page that the event was an 'opportunity for First and Second Amendment supporters to get together, meet people with commonalities and get some exercise while we're all wasting away at home'.

Blue Igloo/Facebook

And despite claims to the contrary, the group told the publication that they were not protesting.

In an email, Blue Igloo said: "The walk on Saturday wasn't a protest, it was a gathering to support our God given freedoms as Americans.

"We headed out for a walk to get some fresh air, sunshine, and some much needed exercise.

"We are a peaceful group, and wish to keep it that way at all costs.

"We aren't looking for a fight. We in fact, want the opposite. We want to put on a smile, shake some hands, and be friendly."

Adding: "An armed society is a polite society."

This comes as a group of protesters in Florida gathered outside a courthouse to call for gyms to open up again amid the coronavirus pandemic - with some putting down their banners and exercising in the street.

Topics: Interesting, Coronavirus, Health

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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