By Ana Romero Vigil
It has been estimated that 5 million people gathered nationwide on April 5 for the Hands Off Rally to protest against President Trump and Elon Musk, government dismissals, reduction in health services and research.
In Pueblo, almost 600 people claimed the front lawn of the Pueblo County Courthouse for a rally that included 10 speakers from the various sponsor groups.
Sponsors who spoke were from Indivisible, C.R.U (community resources united), Roots to Resilience (Jamie Valdez), El Movimiento Sigue, COWins, NAACP, Center for Health Progress, Faith Leaders in Action, SEIU Local.
Other informers said both MAGA and Proud Boys members attended but the rally was peaceful.
Jamie Valdez, Roots to Resilience, who spoke on hands off public health and the environment said, “It was great to see so many different organizations and people coming together to send a message to the Trump administration to keep hands off our government, services, regulations, and our immigrants.”
Shirley Romero Otero, who worked 32 year in education on the Western Slope, reported that the Montrose Rally drew 1000 people, and the Grand Junction community came together with 1200 people.
In Alamosa, about 150 people gathered in freezing rain to protest.
One attendee, who did not want her name used, said, “We’re going to have to stay aware of actions and move to testify to our representatives our wishes.”
