[TRIBLIVE] A federal judge in Pittsburgh on Monday ruled that orders issued by Gov. Tom Wolf restricting the size of gatherings and closing nonessential businesses to protect against the spread of covid-19 were unconstitutional.
In a statement, Wolf said his office will seek an immediate stay to halt the order and file an appeal.
U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV wrote in his 66-page opinion that, even though the actions taken in the spring by Wolf and Health Secretary Rachel Levine were laudable, they violated the First Amendment right to freedom of assembly, and the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the 14th Amendment.
"It’s a complete and total victory for the counties, the businesses and the representatives," said attorney Thomas W. King III, who represented the plaintiffs in the case. "You can’t order the entire population of Pennsylvania to stay at home."
President Trump, in a tweet celebrating the ruling, said: "Congratulations Pennsylvania. Now we await the decision on the Rigged Ballot Scam, which is so bad for our Country!" He went on to retweet more than 20 references to the story.
Lyndsay Kensinger, a spokeswoman for the governor, said they are disappointed in the decision. 
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