A lockdown protestor has been spotted carrying a rocket launcher in Subway as he ventures outside.
The photograph, alongside others of a similar nature, was taken by photojournalist Travis Long. In addition to the rocket launcher, other protestors could be seen carrying a variety of weapons including rifles, shotguns, and a large wrench.
The protestors were all members of a group called Blue Igloo, and they marched through the streets of Raleigh on Saturday (9 May) to protest North Carolina's stay at home order, which was prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Long captioned the pictures on Twitter: "A group of about 11 mostly-armed demonstrators protesting the stay at home order marched around downtown Raleigh and ordered sandwiches at a Subway."
The pictures come as North Carolina eased its lockdown measures on Friday (8 May), allowing some businesses and parks to reopen, providing that they follow social distancing guidelines, as well as permitting gatherings of up to 10 people.
According to The News and Observer, Blue Igloo described the event on its Facebook page as an "opportunity for First and Second Amendment supporters to get together, meet people with commonalities and get some exercise while we're all wasting away at home".
However, while their have been claims that the group was protesting the lockdown measures, this is something that Blue Igloo has denied.
In an email cited by NBC News, Blue Igloo said: "The walk on Saturday wasn't a protest, it was a gathering to support our God-given freedoms as Americans.
"We headed out for a walk to get some fresh air, sunshine, and some much-needed exercise. We are a peaceful group and wish to keep it that way at all costs. We aren't looking for a fight. We, in fact, want the opposite. We want to put on a smile, shake some hands, and be friendly."
The group added: "An armed society is a polite society."
