CPAC attendees boo, yell ‘freedom’ when asked to wear masks

Boos could be heard Friday when organizers of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando asked attendees to wear their masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Loud boos and cheers for “Freedom” were heard echoing throughout the room as American Conservative Union Executive Director Dan Schneider and CPAC director Carly Patrick asked for attendees to adhere to the coronavirus restrictions put in place by Hyatt Regency Orlando, where the event is being held this year.

“A private hotel, just like your house, gets to set its own rules,” Schneider told the crowd.

#CPAC2021 in the age of COVID: Organizers ask attendees to wear masks in the ballroom, are met with boos and calls of “Freedom!”

“You have the right to set the own rules in your own house. And we’re borrowing somebody else’s house so we need to comply with their rules.” pic.twitter.com/DGIUFC3k9G

— aaron navarro (@aaronlarnavarro) February 26, 2021

“We are in a private facility and we do want to be respectful of the ordinances they have, as they’re a private property. So please, everyone, when you’re in the ballroom, when you’re seated you should still be wearing a mask.” Patrick said. “So if everyone can go ahead and work on that. I know it’s not the most fun.”

A number of conservatives will be speaking at the conference, including former President Trump on Sunday. 

It will be Trump’s first big political speech since he left office.