On Apr. 5, millions across the United States flocked to the streets with the “Hands Off!” organization, demonstrations taking place in Chicago, IL, New York City, NY, Washington D.C., and even down at the California state capitol in Sacramento. The goal of the protest? To take the power back.
“This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government, our economy, and our education for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies,” said the “Hands Off!” website.
The protests were volunteer organized or organized by local organizations. In Sacramento, the protest was organized by Indivisible Sacramento, whose media coverage is chaired by Nancy Culpepper. Protests gathered on the capitol lawn and on N and Tenth streets, blocking tenth for three hours. Protest-goers didn’t march but still gained support from passersby who honked and whooped supportingly.
Several voices were amplified on the stage; leaders of pro-Palestine organizations from California State University Sacramento, queer artists and creatives, and state and local representatives alike stepped up to the podium. All of the speakers called out the flaws of the current regime and rallied the protesters to “rise up and fight back.” There were also political musical performances from local bands and artists.
The signs of the protesters were innovative and accusatory. One read “I.C.E. = Gestapo”, and another read “Ikea has better cabinets”. Some other posters called people to action, with phrases like “white silence is violence” and others pointed out the relationship between Trump and Elon Musk, stating “public office not private profit” or asking “do they know it’s legal now?”.
California Highway Patrol blockaded the streets, and snipers were spotted on the top of the capitol building, just under a carved horse statue, likely on capitol security detail. The protest, however, is non-violent and peaceful. Demonstrators of all ages were in attendance, all allying under the same courageous act: pushing back against the oppressive Trump regime.
