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What is #BurnTheMask Rally? Kids toss masks into flames outside Idaho Capitol, Internet slams it as ‘pathetic’

Videos from the protest show children and others tossing their masks into flames as a part of an event organized by State Representatives Dorothy Moon and Heather Scott. Dubbed #BurnTheMask or #FreeIdaho, it gained momentum on social media

BOISE, IDAHO: While the nation continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus, about 100 demonstrators decided to set masks on fire outside the Idaho Capitol in Boise on Saturday, March 6. The videos from the protest show children and others tossing their masks into flames as a part of an event organized by State Representatives Dorothy Moon and Heather Scott. The event was dubbed as #BurnTheMask or #FreeIdaho as it gained momentum on social media. 

Reportedly, no arrest was made at the event and organizers had permits, but the rally has come under review because a fire was started. Idaho State Police said in a statement, “During the event, an open flame was ignited in a barrel. Those involved with the event were informed both before and during the event that open flames are not allowed on State Capitol grounds."

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How did the #BurnTheMask rally begin?

Moon is heard saying in the video filmed by them, “We’re here to talk to you today about a grassroots project that we have become aware of and we fully support.” Scott explains, “It’s going to be an amazing day on Saturday, March 6th in my district I know,” to which Moon adds, “March 6th, all around the state actually and at 10 a.m. people are going to be lighting up burn barrels to throw masks in mandates or emergency orders or replications thereof because everyone’s ready for this emergency order to be lifted.”

She further notes that there are “many reasons” she believes the “grassroots have gotten so involved and so vocal” about this emergency order. Scott says they’ve been in a lockdown for a year and they are “under pressure from all angles” to leave things as they are. But, she asserts she isn’t willing to accept mask mandate as the “new normal.”

Meanwhile, Moon’s husband Darr Moon shared a similar opinion about lifting the mask mandate. Per NBC News, he explained, “Certain health districts are mandating or certain towns are mandating wearing masks and we just don't have the numbers here. The Covid numbers are very low. We've flattened the curve a long time ago and people want to go back to work, they want to have a normal life."

A website they published for the rally reportedly observed different “burn sites” throughout Idaho, with one being right outside the Idaho Capitol steps. 

While Idaho is attempting to pass legislation that would restrict government entities from enforcing mask mandates, people on Twitter have slammed demonstrators for encouraging the children and others to stop using masks. 

One Twitter user wrote "Idaho's #BurnTheMask Rally Sees Kids Tossing Face Masks Into Fire #SmartNews. Let’s spread COVID! Super spreader time." Another added, "Absolutely pathetic. Idaho's #BurnTheMask Rally Sees Kids Tossing Face Masks Into Fire." One tweeted, "Idaho's #BurnTheMask Rally Sees Kids Tossing Face Masks Into Fire #SmartNews I WAS RAISED TO PROTECT MY CHILDREN! FOOLS!"