Tourists visiting Florida decided that the government shutdown is dumb and decided to show their defiance by jumping the fence that closed off the Castillo de San Marcos fort in St. Augustine.
Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. So, since it's a national park and monument, it has been closed for business ever since the government shutdown began more than a week ago.
This is similar to when war veterans crashed through the gates of the World War II Memorial last week for the same reasons. Just not as heroic.
According to the park's rangers, on Monday, a group of 13 tourists, along with two children, ignored the "Closed" sign outside the fort's gate and went on inside to do touristy things anyway.
The defiant tourists were led inside by a French dude. Because, of course.
According to WFTV.com, Frenchy McTourist decided that, screw it, he's a taxpayer, so he's going in. He then rallied the others in his quest to turn the government shutdown closings of national parks like his own King Louis and guillotined the order to stay out, walking through the gate.
"I said, 'Why I could not get into the fort when you pay tax?' And, I said to people, 'Let's jump the gate!' And, I went, I jumped the gate, and people followed me," said Eric Masurier.
The Defiant Ones were inside the fort for about five minutes before authorities arrived and put an end to their shenanigans.
Now, along with paying taxes, these folks will probably also have to pay $150 in fines.
However, because this is America, they were let out with a verbal warning.
VIVA LE RIGHT TO VISIT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS!
Follow Chris Joseph on Twitter
Follow @NewTimesBroward
