'Go to hell': Hecklers unload on Maryland county official at reopening announcement

Maryland residents fed up with stay-at-home orders vented their frustration during the announcement of Montgomery County's soft reopening.

On Thursday, Montgomery County executive Mark Elrich was shouted down by hecklers, some of who wore "reopen" shirts, who aimed a number of incendiary remarks at Elrich, including calling him a "Nazi" and "fascist."

"These are Governor Hogan's recommendations," Elrich said. "Personal services, hair salons, and barbershops open for hair only, no haircuts, no manicures, none of the uh, no pedicures," he continued before the heckling began.

"People can't pay their bills," yelled one person before Elrich attempted to continue with his speech, which was repeatedly interrupted. "The only reason" Montgomery County "did not have the steep curve" from the coronavirus was because it took precautionary measures to slow the spread of the disease, Elrich said.

But residents in attendance refused to accept his opinion and shouted that his insinuation that distancing and lockdown guidance had anything to do with slowing the spread.

"That's a baldfaced lie," shouted one person before another told Elrich to "go to hell."

Under phase one reopening, restaurants can now serve patrons at outdoor seating, and retail establishments will be allowed to provide curbside pickup.