Idaho State Representative hosts protest Saturday against arrests, citations of anti-mask protesters in Moscow

A physical altercation broke out between an anti-mask protester and an observer near the Moscow Police Department today. According to bystander and YouTuber Corey Christophersen, the protester approached the observer, who backed into a truck and threw his coffee in surprise. The protester then began hitting the observer, who was later seen with blood on his face, witnesses said.

This is the second day in a row anti-mask protests have gathered outside Moscow City Hall. While two previous events were hosted by Christ Church, today’s protest was held by Idaho State Representative Chad Christensen, who invited protesters to rally against arrests and citations made during the church’s Psalm Sing event on Wednesday. 

“We are livid over what happened,” said Greg Laux, a speaker who traveled from Nampa on the same day as the protests occurred. 

Laux was referring to the citations of five individuals suspected of violating Moscow’s current mask and social distancing order. Of these individuals, two were arrested for suspicion of restricting or obstructing an officer and Latah County commission candidate Gabriel Rench was arrested, but not charged with refusing to identify himself to police, according to previous reporting by the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. 

Laux said he traveled upstate “to support freedom and stand up against tyranny, and the constitution and, today especially, the first Amendment.” 

Christ Church Pastor Doug Wilson and Interim Music Director Mark Reagan both spoke at Christensen’s protest. Shortly after, Christensen led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Reagan conducted hymns. Wilson preached to the crowd as well. 

“We are trying to stand up against an irrational tyranny,” Reagan said. “We don’t think there is enough evidence here that Moscow is in serious danger of people getting sick or even dying.” 

As with protests earlier in the week, this event was met by counter-protesters. Some held signs, like Tim Gresbeck, whose sign read “Please Don’t Shoot.” He felt disappointed some feel requiring masks is an infringement on their freedom. He described the action as “a simple measure that we all must do to protect ourselves.” 

Some of the anti-mask protesters carried weapons.  

“They’re frightened, and that’s why a lot of them are carrying guns today,” Gresbeck said. “They’re trying to intimidate people… I just want them to know (the anti-mask protests aren’t) working.” 

Not everyone who attended the protest held the same level of tension, however. One man, who only referred to himself as “Santa,” tried to spread a little peace. 

“I have a message for my neighbors,” the man said. “Love each other. Mask or no mask, we’re all cool.” 

The Moscow Police Department has not yet responded to requests for comment. 

This article has been edited to clarify details of the physical altercation are alleged at this point.

Cody Roberts can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter @CodyRobReports.