Looking to crack down on citizens violating lockdown orders issued to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, several US states have hired community watch vigilante George Zimmerman to confront anyone seen in public for non-essential business.
“To make sure people are following social distancing guidelines, we have asked Mr. Zimmerman to patrol our streets and to respectfully approach anyone seen out of their house for non-essential business,” California Governor Gavin Newsom announced earlier this week. “If anyone refuses to comply, Mr. Zimmerman has been directed to immediately disengage to notify law enforcement.”
Several other states have also hired Zimmerman, with many suspending laws against concealed carry for the duration of the crisis.
The initiative has had mixed success. While the coronavirus infection rate has dropped in states that hired Zimmerman, the overall death rate is up.
