LOCAL NEWS

Protesters Target State Epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn’s Home

Oct 29, 2020, 7:42 PM | Updated: 9:03 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A small group of people gathered outside the home of state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn Thursday, saying they believe orders from local health officials are going too far during the pandemic.

They were there while Dunn took part in Gov. Gary Herbert’s weekly coronavirus update.

Neighbors supported their right to protest, just not outside Dunn’s home and in their neighborhood.

Police reminded demonstrators that Utah law prohibits targeted picketing of a residence, other than the governor’s, and they had to put away their signs.

A police officer who responded to the neighborhood told the small group, “As long as you’re not being vocal, chanting, trying to target any individual.”

“That lacks class for one thing and could be interpreted as a threat. I mean, Dr. Dunn has little children at home,” said Mark Fotheringham, spokesman for the Utah Medical Association. “That just seems totally inappropriate on every level.”

The governor also asked protesters to cancel their plans after the weekly press conference.

Fotheringham also agreed with the group’s right to protest, but not there. He said Dunn is doing a good job as state epidemiologist.

“She’s been dedicated to the health and prolonging the life of people her entire career,” Fotheringham said. “During the Ebola scare, she was in Africa helping the people there.”

Dunn said it’s scary and taking a toll on her family.

“I think it’s really unfortunate that we live in a state where people feel that it’s OK to harass civil servants,” she said. “It’s wrong.”

Dr. Dunn’s neighbor told protestors that they crossed the line. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)

The group sent a letter to Dunn that said they have unanswered questions and want to point out that state policies can affect people in unexpected ways.  They also asked for hospitalization numbers statewide.

“Let’s send her some support. Really. Think of the pressure she’s under,” said neighbor Mark Cronin. “Things have to change. I don’t care what your political views are. The way we treat people nowadays, the way we treat each other as humans is completely wrong.”

He said it feels like an invasion of privacy.

“I just think it’s wrong. I just think it’s flat out wrong,” Cronin added.

KSL identified the protesting group as Utahns for Medical Freedom. They declined KSL’s requests for interviews but one woman said rather than wearing a mask, people can protect themselves by making healthy diet choices.

A letter from Utahns For Medical Freedom addressed to Dr. Dunn. (Mike Anderson/KSL-TV) The group wants the state to release statewide hospitalization numbers. (Mike Anderson/KSL-TV)

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

3 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

4 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

5 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

6 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

7 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Protesters Target State Epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn’s Home