Story and photos by Michael Spathanas
April 5, 2025
Nearly 8,000 demonstrators gathered at the Colorado State Capitol in downtown Denver for the nationwide “Hands Off!” protest on April 5. Protesters rallied against the policies and rhetoric of President Donald Trump and his allies, as well as anything they saw as threats to their way of life, democracy and civil liberties. The gathering was one of 1,300 just like it across the country. Protesters in Civic Center Park held handmade signs with painted slogans like “Hands Off Our Rights,” “Hands Off Canada,” “Hands off Greenland,” and “Hands off Ukraine.” As more people arrived bundled up for the cold, they listened to speakers passionately rant in opposition to the new Trump Administration and just about everything Elon Musk does, mainly criticizing the amount of influence Musk has on public discourse and politics.
“This is about standing up for democracy,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser from the Capitol steps. “The Trump administration clearly didn’t get the memo that immigrants make America great.”
Weiser recently announced his intention to run for Colorado governor in 2026.
“I believe as we come through this, we will come through stronger,”Weiser continued. “Because we will better understand why we need to fight for our critical values, for equal protection under the laws, for freedom of speech, and for due process of the law.”
Other speakers included union organizers, youth activists from local high schools and colleges and State Senator Jessie Danielson, who spoke about resisting authoritarianism. Speakers shouted concerns about future voting rights for every American citizen, about the racial inequality still lingering in our country and for the environment, which they say is being exploited for profit. Their shared concern was with Republican-aligned policies and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which they view as acting unconstitutionally in dismantling American institutions like USAID and the Department of Education.
Despite the cold, the general mood at the march was energetic and positive. Everyone was shouting “Hands Off,”but what exactly does that mean?
Educator and activist Dr. Janette Baust rallied marchers with a bullhorn.
“Hands off is to say, hands off our democracy, hands off our Constitution, off of all the organizations, people and agencies you’re firing, and all of the people who most need help,” she said. “So, hands off all the things that make our democracy what it is.”
It’s hard to ignore the irony that the “Hands Off,” phrase certainly references President Donald Trump’s history of allegations involving rape and unwanted touching.
As the march went on, the skies began to clear. Sunlight broke through the clouds, illuminating downtown Denver with warmth, which protestors understood as a sign of hope for the future. Chanting, drumming, and singing protestors marched for two miles through the streets of Denver. The event remained peaceful with minimal Denver police presence. Among the marchers were Rhett and Whitney Butler, small business owners from the Denver area.
“There are a lot of people angry with Donald Trump and Elon Musk,” Whitney said. “They’re destroying our relationships with our friends and neighbors.”
“It means there are too many hands on our government,” Rhett said. “We’re here to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. That’s what this country was founded on.”
The “Hands Off” protest was intended to send a message to those in power in Washington, DC; communities are prepared to fight back against political injustices and protect hard-fought rights. Those who came out to protest on Saturday made it clear that this won’t be the last time they’ll show up to make their voices heard. The next march will be held in Civic Center Park in front of the Capitol on Saturday, April 19 at noon.
