Taking a page from the reopen America events, a set of similar rallies were held around New York State. 

It is rare to have a conservative tinged rally or event in Syracuse (outside of a private fundraiser) even though currently the mayor is a Republican as is the congressman. Back when the tea party was a thing we had a handful of small rallies maybe 25 to 50 people but nothing that extreme as you might have in Buffalo or even Albany. 

So while 70 to 80 people rallying in a city of a 140,000 May not seem like that much It actually is a pretty decent size gathering. Is it least akin to most lefty rallies that happen in the city. What was the most disturbing about the one that happened on May 1st was not the number of people the crying the virus says fake and not wearing masks… But the number of people wearing clothing and stickers representing the 3%ers. 

From the Southern Poverty Law Center: Percenterism is one of three core components within the antigovernment militia movement, along with the Oath Keepers and traditional militia groups. The reference to 3 percent stems from the dubious historical claim that only 3 percent of American colonists fought against the British during the War of Independence.

While I know that the Central New York area has a decent size far-right community. It’s not that odd to see a Confederate flag or a Gadsden waving out front in someone’s yard, but I had not seen that many attached to the anti-government movement.