Hundreds attend "Tri Cities Peaceful Protest Tie Up" event
RICHLAND, Wash. -- Hundreds of people on boats, and anything that floats, attended a tie-up party event Saturday afternoon near Bateman Island.
Action News viewed the event just before 6 PM on Saturday, but witnesses told us they saw it hours prior to our arrival.
Our reporters witnessed several people at the event not wearing masks or social distancing. The event was called the "Tri Cities Peaceful Protest Tie Up."
Organizers of the event posted the following message on Facebook. "Calling all red blooded Americans with a boat who want to enjoy the sun, the open air and the refreshing taste of freedom in a can. There will be music and plenty of "people watching" as you lounge around on your own boat or in your own personal flotation device if you so choose to bring one."
The Facebook post goes on to say, "IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID 19 OR HAVE BEEN AROUND ANYONE WITH COVID 19 PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE EVENT!!"
Finally, organizers urged people to share the event with friends. "Let's make the day as big as possible!!"
The party goes against state mandates from Gov. Jay Inslee to ban large gatherings and force Washingtonians to wear face coverings.
As of Friday, 6,031 people in the Tri-Cities area have been diagnosed with COVID-19. On Friday alone, the Benton-Franklin Health District announced 108 new cases of coronavirus.
