Hundreds gather at Huntington Beach Pier for ‘Freedom March’

Hundreds of anti-mask protesters gathered at the Huntington Beach Pier on Monday night, just before most coronavirus-related physical distancing and mask requirements for those vaccinated were lifted Tuesday.

Many of those in attendance wore clothing or waved flags supporting former President Donald Trump. The rally included a mask-less march, deemed a “Freedom March” on a flier, from Pier Plaza to Pacific City.

“[Gov. Gavin] Newsom ... will still mandate muzzles,” the flier read. “We open when we want to.”

Trump supporters gather for an anti-mask “freedom march” in Huntington Beach on Monday.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

The flier also noted that Monday was National Flag Day, as well as Trump’s 75th birthday.

Under the new state guidelines, Californians who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can now go without a face mask in most situations. However, unvaccinated residents are still required to mask up in public indoor settings.

Trump supporters gather for an anti-mask “freedom march” in Huntington Beach on Monday, June 14.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

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