In Canada, they have scores of big rigs surrounding Ottowa’s capital complex and blocking border crossing points. In New York City, those opposed to mandates roll a bit differently. They decided to team up and “occupy” an AMC movie theater that was enforcing some COVID suppression measures. Estimates of the number of mandate opponents varied, but the videos showing up online suggest that there were at least several dozen of them. A number of people wound up being arrested while others chatted up the NYPD officers, hoping to convince them to join the resistance. Fortunately, everyone remained non-violent, but the operation of the theater was shut down for a few hours. Some of the protesters suggested that “this is just the beginning.” (NY Post)

At least 10 people were taken into police custody after a group of anti-vaccine protestors stormed the AMC Empire 25 movie theater in midtown on Monday night, police said.

Police said the group invaded the West 42nd street theater around 6:30 p.m. Those detained were awaiting charges on Monday night, cops said.

Video posted on social media from outside of the AMC shows NYPD officers escorting several men out of the theater into a van as a group of protesters can be heard loudly chanting.

Here’s a short bit of video coverage from the Post showing part of the confrontation between the protesters and the police, along with some initial arrests.

Here’s some additional video of the arrests in progress from social media.

#BREAKING : Multiple Anti-Mandate activists arrested by NYPD's Strategic Response Group, including a credentialed independent journalist LeeroyPress. The arrests happened at a Sit-In demonstration inside the AMC movie theater near Times Square in NYC.#Mandates #VaccineMandate pic.twitter.com/EQ0hpATJAW

— LUKE2FREEDOM (@L2FTV) February 8, 2022

The chanting from the protesters left a bit to be desired. You can hear them saying “My body, my choice. The vaccine you won’t force.” While I appreciate the idea of co-opting the slogan of the pro-abortion crowd for a purpose most liberals would deride, come on, guys. You should at least try to make it rhyme, right?

While I certainly agree with the message of the protesters, we shouldn’t be too quick to celebrate what they were doing. To their credit, nobody engaged in any violence or property destruction, so this was obviously a far more peaceful, First Amendment-based effort than any of the BLM riots and “CHOP zone” activities we’ve seen over the past few years. But at the same time, they did force their way into a private business establishment without paying and disrupted its operation for both the proprietors and the paying customers. If we criticize the progressive mobs for doing that sort of thing it is obviously a bit hypocritical to turn a blind eye when people we might agree with do it.

I would also point out that it’s not really AMC Theaters that’s oppressing anyone. They’re following some of the guidelines either imposed or strongly suggested by the state. And the rules that AMC posted are far from the most severe we’ve seen. They are requiring immunity passports for all customers age 5 and up. For those who are only partially vaccinated, masks are “suggested” while inside the theater. Of course, like so many other venues, guests are allowed to remove their masks while consuming snacks and drinks from the refreshment service, so the entire point of making people wear a mask is rendered moot anyway.

If I could offer any advice to these protesters, it would be to remain outside on the sidewalk to protest and don’t block traffic in the streets while doing so. Eject any of your fellow protesters you see engaging in vandalism of any sort. Do not emulate the tactics of the liberal mobs or you risk being lumped in with them. And if at all possible, follow one of the most basic rules of a free capitalist society. If you disagree with the company’s policies, particularly the immunity passport requirements (and I certainly disagree), seek out other venues that don’t enforce those policies and patronize them. Vote with your feet and your wallet. That type of protest is in keeping with conservative principles and hits them where it really hurts.