Lamont Heckled By Anti-Mask Protesters At Public Event

BERLIN, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont thought he was simply dropping by to showcase an $18 million mixed-use economic development project near the Berlin Train Station Wednesday.

But while at the event, Lamont took some heat from a handful of protesters. The Hartford Courant reported that one protester waved a Trump flag while another used a bullhorn to get their points across.

Lamont was serenaded by anti-mask comments including "My 3-year-old doesn't need to be behind a mask," according to NBC Connecticut. Lamont on Tuesday night signed a new executive order that allows for fines if a person doesn't wear a mask when social distancing isn't possible.

As Lamont spoke at the public event, protesters demanded the governor reopen the state; Lamont replied bluntly that "rudeness" won't help their cause.

Protesters shouted at Lamont, saying Connecticut should reopen like North Dakota has. Lamont replied that North Dakota's coronavirus infection rate is 18 percent. Connecticut's infection rate is closer to 1 percent. (You can watch video of the protesters interacting with Lamont here).

Naugatuck's Aaron McCool told the Hartford Courant he'll follow Lamont around to every event. He expressed his displeasure over having to send his 3-year-old daughter to day care while wearing a mask. Protesters also said "You are not a king, Ned," according to the Courant.

Lamont took to social media later on Wednesday, saying, "The science shows that wearing a face mask works. Don't let the progress we've made so far get reversed. Keep up the great work, Connecticut."

Lamont was in Berlin for the groundbreaking ceremony for Steele Boulevard, which will include apartments, a medical office, retail and restaurant space, WFSB 3 TV reports.

See also:

• Top Town Official Says 'No Proactive Enforcement' Of Lamont's New Orders
• New Details Released On Fines For Violating CT's Mask Order

Lamont's latest order authorizes the commissioner of Public Health, local health departments, municipal chief elected officers, and state and local police to issue fines for violations of certain COVID-19 protective measures.

These include:

• A fine of $100 for any person who fails to wear a mask or cloth face covering according to a prior executive order. A business entity, rather than the employee, is liable for a fine of the same amount for any employee’s failure to wear a required mask or cloth-face covering while at work.
• A fine of $500 for any person or business entity who organizes, hosts or sponsors a gathering that violates the gathering size restrictions set forth in a prior order.
• A fine of $250 for any person who attends a gathering that violates the gathering size restrictions set forth in the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development "Rules for Gatherings and Venues and Sector Rules for Outdoor Events."