DENVER -- When a Colorado veteran organized a rally to reopen Colorado, he said he was thinking about the freedoms he fought to protect.
"Just seeing the people struggling and what they're going through. I've got other friends as well. They're having a hard time now feeding their families, paying their bills because the bills ain't stopping just because the country shuts down," said John Tiegen.
Hundreds descended on the State Capitol during the rally Sunday afternoon. Tiegen joined a group of motorcyclists as they circled the building. Others stayed in their cars and honked horns, but a large crowd also gathered on the Capitol lawn.
"Yeah, it's starting to slowly open, but it needs to just open up," said Tiegen.
COVID-19 concerns led Governor Jared Polis to issue to a stay-at-home order at the end of March, but that order expired on April 26. Tiegen and others share frustration over the Colorado's plan to reopen as part of a set of guidelines called Safer at Home.
Although some businesses are beginning to open up, others remain closed. Other business owners have attempted to open and defy orders only to be shutdown like C&C Breakfast & Korean Kitchen in Castle Rock.
"If somebody wants to go in there, get a hair cut, sit down at the diner that's their choice, it should not be the choice of the government," said Tiegen.
As people gathered in front of the Capitol, many of them didn't seem to be too concerned with social distancing or wearing a mask. Denver7 asked Tiegan if he was worried about anyone getting sick.
"I do worry a little bit about it, yes again it is serious," said Tiegen. "But it's their choice, it was my choice to come here, maybe I will get sick. I don't know, but I could die on my ride back home."
