‘We’re gonna vote you out’: Protestors to South Carolina town council after mask mandates

According to the Island Packet, the meeting had been called to discuss Mayor John McCann's new state of emergency declaration that went into effect on Monday amidst rising cases of COVID-19 in the area.

The state of emergency reportedly allowed Town Manager Marc Orlando to mandate the wearing of masks in town buildings, like town hall or the Fire Rescue headquarters. The mandate does not apply to private businesses, and Marc said that the town council has no plans to enact a new town wide mask mandate.

Despite this, resident voiced their frustrations to the council on Tuesday, with some diving into conspiracy theories.

One man said the town council was "disgusting," with another stating simply, "Nazis." Another resident told town council, "We know who to target."

Chants of "shame" from maskless residents reportedly filled the room.

One woman reportedly told town council that a computer generated the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and that the COVID-19 variants are not real.

One person held up a sign displaying a photo of Dr. Anthony Fauci with the word "FRAUD" written above his head.

According to the Island Packet, some people shouted "Who bought you? We're gonna vote you out. Why are you wearing masks?" at the town councilors.

Ward 4 representative Tamara Becker, in an attempt to gain control of the meeting, told the protesting residents "I'm just asking for respect," and was reportedly made fun of.

One man, who identified himself as a scientist, argued to the town council that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines have not been proven, noting recent breakthrough cases in some Texas lawmakers.

"I'm ashamed of every one of you," he said. "This is a stealing of our rights as American citizens."

According to the Island Pocket, some of the attendees had specific questions and concerns for town council including "One woman was upset about mask mandates on hot school buses. A man who recently moved to South Carolina from Pennsylvania asked McCann when the state of emergency would end. Another person argued that the Town Council could use the mayor's declaration to enact a future mask ordinance."

The meeting was adjourned early, with the council voting 5-0-1 in favor of the state of emergency. Ward 3 representative David Ames was reportedly absent.

Ward 4 rep. Becker abstained from voting, telling the protestors "I agree with many of you. The point is, you're not listening to us," Becker said, which was met with boos.