by Sarah Glass
Hundreds of Bitterroot Valley residents gathered in Hamilton on April 5th to participate in the “Hands Off!” event, part of a nationwide protest of the policies of President Donald Trump and his billionaire allies. According to national media outlets, millions turned out in cities and towns all over the country. Organizers of the Hamilton event, with the group Bitterroot Indivisible, estimated a turnout of about 500 to 600.
In Hamilton, participants first gathered at City Hall Park to personalize pre-made signs. Underneath the “Hands Off!” logo, a myriad of concerns appeared, ranging from federal worker employment, freezing of health, science and research funding, sell off of public lands, women’s rights, veterans benefits, and federal grants to education, clean air, and issues related to refugees (see related stories).
Citizens gather with the signs they prepared for the ‘Hands Off!’ march and rally in Hamilton on April 5th. About 500 to 600 people showed up to protest the policies of the current administration and to show support for the many federal workers who live and work in Ravalli County. Photo by Sarah Glass.
The group then joined together to rally at Main Street and Highway 93 before marching down the highway and then to River Street Dance Theater. Speakers at the event included Monica Tranel, 2024 U.S. House of Representatives Democrat candidate for the state of Montana, and former Rocky Mountain Laboratories employee Kim Hasenkrug, among others.
Marchers line Highway 93 in Hamilton for blocks, prior to the march to River Street Dance Theatre where a rally was held. Photo by Victoria Howell.
Ken says
Montana voted for Trump. When you make A mistake you have to live with it. So please no whining from Montanans about lost jobs,food prices or farm failures.
Thomas Watson says
Almost 2 % of Ravalli County!
Not very many! Democrats had the White House for 4 years during which millions of illegal immigrants came across the southern border, hundreds of thousands of young people died from illegal fentanyl, and inflation hit record highs not seen since President Jimmy Carter was in office in the late 1970 & early 1980’s.
President Trump is working hard to secure the borders, decrease deaths of young people from illegal fentanyl, and inflation. Much progress has been made already in securing the southern border and limiting access to illegal fentanyl in less than 90 days. Inflation will take longer to abate.
Becky Peters says
The Indivisible Hands Off Bitterroot march was not just Democrats. It was organized and attended by Democrats, Republicans and Independents. For many of the marchers it was the first time they had ever protested and advocated in a group setting. luckily we still live in a country where we have constitutional rights to work together to keep our citizens healthy, safe, and educated. When anyone in this country is being harassed, abused, forgotten, no matter the party in power, it is our duty to help make things better for ALL.
Mike Miller says
How do you know it was “attended by Democrats, Republicans and Independents”? What’s your source?
Bert says
lol
Dorgra says
No idea what they’re protesting about but I can probably guess that it has nothing to do with what is actually happening. Common sense is just about extinct an more