Photos showed some of the attendees wearing face coverings and carrying firearms. Others held signs that said “We will not comply” and “Open Georgia from the lockdown.”

The protest, which was streamed live on Facebook, was organized by Shane Hazel, a Libertarian candidate running for U.S. Senate this fall. It appeared to remain peaceful and was not interrupted by law enforcement.

Hazel said state officials should not be able to close businesses and tell residents to shelter in place.

The governor is expected to announce plans to “re-open” the state this week.  Public Health officials say that social distancing and shelter in place orders have been working to stop the spread of COVID -19.

AJC