California’s attorney general defends virus shutdowns

DON THOMPSON Associated Press SACRAMENTO (AP) — What would normally be broad constitutional protections for freedoms of assembly, religion — even buying guns — may be curtailed when they endanger others during the coronavirus pandemic, California's top law enforcement officer said in an interview. The state has been sued over all three during its shutdown as government officials pick winners and losers in deciding which businesses and activities can operate and which can't. But in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, Attorney General Xavier Becerra said officials have broad authority to do what they think is necessary to slow the spread during the virus pandemic, even if that trumps normal fundamental freedoms. "The Constitution remains in place," Becerra said. "