Witness Testimony

Dr. Gerald Bohemier, age 73, testified that he began attending and speaking at COVID-related rallies in early 2020 after concluding that lockdowns, masking, and mandates were unjustified and fear-driven. A long-time natural health advocate and retired chiropractor, he stated that social media censorship limited his ability to speak publicly online, leading him to express his views at peaceful outdoor gatherings. He reported receiving nine tickets of $1,296 each for participating in rallies and church-related events. He described repeated visits to his home by large, non-police enforcement agents accompanied by police officers, who allegedly pounded on his door and delivered fines in what he characterized as an intimidating manner.
Bohemier testified that he was later arrested at his residence under a warrant and transported to jail, where he was detained for approximately 16 hours rather than released on a promise to appear. He stated that he was not offered release by the arresting officer and was required to appear before a magistrate the following day. During detention, he described being placed in a concrete holding cell overnight and recounted a confrontation with a supervising officer regarding mask compliance while in custody. Upon release, he was placed under bail conditions that prohibited association with certain individuals and effectively prevented him from attending rallies or speaking publicly for over a year.
He further testified that shortly after a rally received media coverage, his employer—a natural health product company where he worked part-time as a quality assurance supervisor—terminated his employment following social media pressure and public shaming. He stated that he had never been convicted of any crime at the time of dismissal. Bohemier described the combined effect of fines, arrest, bail restrictions, and job loss as an effort to silence dissenting voices and expressed that his public advocacy was motivated by a belief that citizens should not fear viral illness and should retain the freedom to speak and assemble peacefully.