A nationwide rally called “Hands Off!” occurred this past Saturday to protest against President Donald Trump, his administration and Elon Musk’s actions with the Department of Government Efficiency. The organizers of the event were members of 50501, a grassroots movement originating from Reddit dedicated to peaceful protests.
Demonstrators in San Antonio rallied together at 11 a.m. on April 5 at 115 Main Plaza, chanting “This is what democracy looks like.”
The message stated on the “Hands Off!” website reads, “On April 5th, we take action. Across the country, thousands of people will march, rally, disrupt and demand an end to this billionaire power grab. We’ll show up at state capitols, federal buildings, congressional offices and city centers — anywhere we can make sure they hear us.”
An email from “Hands Off!” organizers claimed over 500,000 activists attended the nationwide event. Thousands of people rallied at the center of San Antonio to protest against the Trump Administration “to keep their hands off” Medicaid, VA benefits, social security, libraries, schools, freedom of speech and other issues. Some groups took to Commerce Street, Soledad Street, Market Street and onward to chant, “We’re here. We’re free. We’re fighting for democracy.”
Others who stayed in the communal area of Main Plaza spoke among each other or chose to listen to the speakers at the event.
Almost everyone showed up with personally designed signs reading messages, such as “So dire even introverts are here” and “Patriots fight fascism.” Retired veterans attended wearing their military branch symbols on their hats and shirts.
Families with children, people of color and LGBTQ+ people attended. While members of 50501 organized the event, members of Indivisible, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Texas State Employees Union and the Bexar County Democratic Party attended.
“Everybody that I touch is affected by this,” said Sarah Magallan, an attendant at the protest. “I have a daughter that’s a veteran. I have a daughter that’s gay. I have cousins that are trans. I have people on Medicare. I have people that receive food stamps. We’re all American citizens. We’re the ones paying the taxes; it’s not right. How many more people have to be convicted or charged before this man is removed.”
Throughout the protest site, American iconographies were displayed — such as a man dressed as Uncle Sam and a couple dressed in American flags. The couple requested to remain anonymous when commenting on why they chose their attire for the rally.
“To take back the symbol that this flag is supposed to stand for. We give a pledge of allegiance in school, and we’re supposed to pledge allegiance to this country. But the person in charge right now does not represent this country. He doesn’t stand for what this flag stands for.”
Speakers from the event shared their personal experiences with the Trump administration or DOGE.
“I’m a DOGE-impacted federal scientist. Right now, we’re watching the takeover of our government for billionaires by billionaires. This is a call to action,” said Dr. Kristin Hook, who attended the rally as a spokesperson.
Jesse Manciaz and UTSA alumni Peter Andradeó-Coen, who are retired veterans from the Marines, spoke on the reason for their attendance.
“The big one is that I want my country back,” Manciaz said. “I want my land back, but there are so many things that we are losing, beginning with our veteran rights, all of my family.
“Me, my son and my daughter are veterans, and my daughter works for the VA. She’s afraid of losing her job. I’ve always been proud to be an American, but now I question what this country is all about. How could we bring to the highest position a person that has been a rapist and a criminal? And he evaded the draft five different times, and he is in charge of our troops.”
The protest dispersed around 2 p.m. that day. Other “Hands Off!” protests will continue across the country.
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