The lieutenant governor of Texas has said it's worth risking lives to save jobs as he defended the decision to re-open the state's economy.
Lt Gov Dan Patrick said there are "more important things than living" and that America needs to "take some risks and get back in the game" amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes as some Americans are protesting against lockdown despite the country's death toll hitting over 45,000. Speaking to Fox News on Monday, Mr Patrick reiterated the much-criticised views he shared last month with the network.
The grandfather, 70, said the lives of Texans were not as important as "saving this country for us all". Mr Patrick went on to clarify: "I don't want to die.