Erie, Pa.– Just starting his second presidential term, Donald Trump has enacted many drastic changes infederal agencies,environmentalpolicies,immigration,DEI,foreign relations, and much more. These changeshavecreated widespread discontenton multiple issues. Asaunified fronton April 5th,many people took to public areasforthe“Hands Off!” nationwidedemonstrationsopposing the Trump Administration.Over 1,400rallies occurredacross the country, one beingacross the street of old main,in Perry Square. These photos attempt to capture the demonstration in Perry Squareshowcasingthe crowd,speakers, signs,and brief interviewswithattendees.
People young to old present at the rally, displaying signs addressing varying issues from the distrust of current leadership, the dismantling of federal agencies and LGBTQ rights. (Kiley Williams)
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Carlos Mora, addresses the crowd saying” it’s not enough to be on the right side of history,but it’s time to take action.” This is regarding the importance of challenging our representatives and law makers to fight for democracy. (Kiley Williams)
Jude, a speaker at the rally, gestures to the crowd, saying “this is what is good,” stressing the importance of coming together as a unified front for the hopes of change. Also, emphasizing the importance of keeping democratic politicians accountable and pushing them to fight. (Kiley Williams)
As an American flag is proudly waved in the air, the crowd holds up signs urging for the funding of federal agencies, and to continue to defend democracy in politics. (Kiley Williams)
After the speakers finish, the crowd chanted ”resist” as a call to action against forces or policies believed to undermine democracy, personal autonomy, and equality. (Kiley Williams)
A sign painted with the words, “Democracy NOT Fascism”, reflecting concerns of rising authoritarian rhetoric undermining democratic process that the country is founded on. (Kiley Williams)
An expressive sign criticizes political figures accused of sexual misconduct and their role in shaping reproductive laws. (Kiley Williams)
A group of attendees at the Hands Off! rally posed with signs expressing frustrations over awide range of issues. One sign read, “All of my outrage can’t fit on this sign,” capturing the group’s feeling of being overwhelmed by the number of policies they believe are being mismanaged by the current administration such as censorship, foreign relations, veteranaid and economic policies. While another attendee, a teacher, spoke about the importance of preserving government institutions rather than dismantling them. (Kiley Williams)
Two elderly women rest on a bench after the rally, holding signs calling for the removal of President Trump and others from their positions of power. The women on the left said she came to support her friend and to speak out against cuts to the arts, including institutions like the Smithsonian. Her friend, who is blind, emphasized the importance of DEI initiativesto allow for those with a disability to have equal opportunities. She also mentions the importance of social security programs, drawing on her own experience working in the system and seeing firsthand the impact it has on people’s lives. (Kiley Williams)
Four rally attendees and two fluffy dogs paused for a photo after sharing why they showed up. A small business owner voiced concerns that current policies are harming rather than helping small businesses. A doctor in the group emphasized treating everyone with humanity and urged others to look critically at news sources, expressing worry over the spread of propaganda. An older man spoke about his fears for trans rights under the current administration, while the woman beside him, a survivor of sexual assault, expressed deep discomfort with seeing someone accused of abuse in power. The group also raised concerns about the politicization of religion, and unjust deportations. (Kiley Williams)
A woman proudly displays her thoughtfully designed sign with illustrated hands of many skin tones that boldly declare “Hands Off!!” Surrounding the message are references to a range of issues the creator believes are under threat, including bodily autonomy, the American Dream, free press and speech, veterans, education, science, LGBTQ rights, and support for immigrants, and international relationships with Canada and Greenland. (Kiley Williams)
An older man stands with a Palestinian flag billowing in the wind, featuring a message referencing karma or justice: “That which you sow, you reap,” suggesting that actions have consequences. His coat and surrounding signs call for political change, with phrases like“Alter, Abolish, Institute, Amend, Dismember, Overthrow.” Among the red symbols are achild and bloody handprints. The words, and imagery referring to violence endured by Palestinian people and calling for action to end the suffering. (Kiley Williams)
Kiley Williams is this academic years Photographer for The Gannon Knight. Kiley is a junior biology major from St. Mary’s PA. A fun fact about Kiley is that she can drive a forklift.
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