‘Occupy Edison Mall’ demonstrators gather in Fort Myers
FORT MYERS, Fla. Jan 26 2021– The planned “Occupy Edison Mall” event happened as scheduled on Sunday.
Mall security and Fort Myers police beefed up security as the nice weather brought people out to shop. Demonstrators arrived, but they never stepped foot into the mall.
Around 20 conservative people rallied against what they said is Big Tech censoring their voices.
Fort Myers police and Edison Mall administrators met them as they pulled in.
“A huge shout out to our local police officers here. They’re amazing,” said organizer Joshua Sapienza.
The rally’s organizer said rumors of a riot got out of hand.
“FBI was receiving tips that there was going to be an assault on Edison Mall,” said Sapienza.
That wasn’t the case. Instead, we saw shoppers and others passing by, hearing their voices from outside of the mall, actually on the sidewalk.
“What we’re out here for is we want to make our voices heard because we’re unable to do this online anymore,” said Sapienza.
They said that big tech companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are censoring people with conservative views, especially after the U.S. Capitol riot.
“I’m here, because I’m frustrated,” said Alexis Sapienza.
Some said they feel these platforms are violating their freedom of speech, but social media companies are private and can follow their own censorship rules.
“I think that a lot of Americans are very upset,” said Sapienza.
Not only about censorship on social media, but about some big businesses pulling support for conservatives.
“Politics and businesses have a very fine line that they shouldn’t cross,” said Alexis.
Even though many were decked head to toe with Trump gear, some said this isn’t about the former President.
“This isn’t about Trump. Now, it’s about people,” he said.
The group plans on having more events in the coming weeks.
