Author: dailycastsocal

A new national day of protest is set to sweep across all 50 states on Saturday, April 5, with demonstrations organized under the banner “Hands Off” targeting perceived threats to democracy, bodily autonomy, and climate justice. Organizers say the protests are a direct response to figures like former President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, accusing them of undermining key democratic principles and freedoms. The April 5 protests are being led by progressive advocacy groups, including Third Act and Reproductive Freedom for All, and are expected to draw thousands of participants. Demonstrations are scheduled in every state, ranging from small town squares to major urban centers, with events timed to coincide with the run-up to key primary contests and ongoing legal battles involving Trump. Organizers are calling the events a defense of democracy and personal freedoms, echoing recent waves of politically charged demonstrations. In recent months, the “50501 protest” mobilized thousands to oppose voter suppression, while other events such as the “Tesla takedown” rallies and “Not My President” marches highlighted corporate accountability and opposition to Trump’s political comeback. Democratic leaders, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, have held rallies in cities like Denver and Phoenix, galvanizing support around progressive priorities ahead of the 2024 general election. The “Hands Off” protests are being framed as a broad-based pushback against political and corporate efforts to limit rights. They also signal a continuing pattern of grassroots mobilization seen in other recent national demonstrations.Third Act, a group co-founded by environmentalist Bill McKibben and focused on older Americans engaging in activism, is partnering with other advocacy groups such as Indivisible and MoveOn to lead the protests. A map published by the event’s website, HandsOff2025.com, shows protests stretching from Anchorage, Alaska, to Miami, Florida. Some of the largest gatherings are expected in cities like Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Philadelphia, while smaller events are planned for college campuses and public squares nationwide.