WHEELING, W.Va. — A nationwide protest campaign called “Hands Off!” is scheduled to hold gatherings in cities across the United States on Saturday, including several locations in the Ohio Valley states of West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
One of the rallies will take place outside McDonald’s on 101 Kruger Street in Wheeling from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional events have been scheduled for the Washington County Courthouse in Pennsylvania (1-3 p.m.), the Guernsey County Courthouse in Cambridge, Ohio (3-4 p.m.), and the Tuscarawas County Courthouse in New Philadelphia, Ohio (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.).
The protest is aimed at policies associated with President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
Organizers claim that these policies have resulted in service cuts, job losses, and actions that jeopardize Social Security, consumer protections, and the rights of immigrants and transgender people.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on and daring the world to stop them. On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”
Hands Off! Website
As of March 29, nearly 250,000 people had RSVP’d to attend over 1,100 events in all 50 states. Demonstrations will take place in government buildings and public areas, including state capitols and congressional offices.
The protest also raises concerns about Musk’s influence in government and the economy, particularly his ties to cryptocurrency and his leadership at Tesla, which has already come under fire from activists.
The movement is supported by several advocacy organizations, including the Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research and the Human Rights Campaign.
The campaign focuses on nonviolent action and calls for opposition to what organizers describe as efforts to take power and resources away from the people.
