More than 100 people braved blowing snow and gusty winds Saturday in downtown Amarillo, gathering in front of the old City Hall for a “Hands Off!” protest against the Trump administration. Despite subfreezing conditions, participants chanted “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascists” and criticized what they described as policies threatening Americans’ rights and services.
The event was organized by the 50501 Movement, a national volunteer coalition that advocates for social justice and civic engagement. According to organizers, the protest was part of a coordinated effort across more than 1,000 cities and towns nationwide on April 5, supported by groups such as Third Act and Reproductive Freedom for All.
“We’re passionate about this cause because we hate seeing our neighbors and friends fear for their lives and their future,” said local human rights activist and organizer Madison Boyle. “We had about 125 people signed up, and even with the snow, I think we’ll see more as the day goes on.”
The protest began with around 50 participants in the morning, with organizers expecting attendance to grow by afternoon. Boyle, who previously led a demonstration at the same location that drew more than 300 people, said the strong turnout shows a deeper support network in Amarillo than many realize.
“It’s hard to find people with similar viewpoints here, but we want to show there’s hope,” Boyle said. “If we don’t speak, nobody will.”
Protesters took aim at President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, accusing both of policies and influence that undermine public programs and civil liberties. Demonstrators pointed to what they claimed were mass firings of federal workers and proposed cuts to programs such as Medicaid and Social Security. Boyle specifically criticized Musk’s sway in public policy debates.
“Stop hurting your own people,” she said, addressing Trump and Musk. “We didn’t elect Elon Musk.”
One protester, retiree Claudia Starvato, emphasized a sense of urgency, calling Trump’s presidency unlawful.
“He’s usurped Congress, ignored the rule of law, and refused judicial orders while decimating our government in illegal ways,” Starvato said. “He’s carrying out his presidency as a dictator and destroying the fabric of American life, democracy, and values. He must be stopped, and only Congress can do that.”
Starvato also accused Republican lawmakers of giving Trump “carte blanche” to erode civil rights and essential services. “They’re shirking their duty to their constituents,” she said.
Requests for comment from local officials were not immediately returned Saturday. Nationally, most of the “Hands Off!” protests proceeded peacefully, with organizers emphasizing nonviolent free expression.
Boyle said her immediate goal is to keep the community hopeful. “Without hope, we don’t have anything,” she said. “But yes, I also want the administration to stop hurting people.”
Despite the snow swirling around the old City Hall — a historic part of Amarillo’s downtown — the chanting crowd stayed put, visibly determined to make their voices heard.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: More than 100 brave snow, wind at ‘Hands Off!’ protest at old Amarillo City Hall
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
