Saturday was called a national day of action, and thousands of people participated in "Hands Off" rallies that took over cities nationwide in protest of President Donald Trump and his administration's recent policy changes and actions.
The protests stretched from Los Angeles to the nation's capital and even here in Northeast Ohio. Some took place in Avon Lake, Strongsville, Akron and Ohio City.
Protesters showed up at Medina Square in Medina County:
Protesters also took to the streets in Ohio City and lined the intersection of West 25th and Lorain Avenue. They held signs that contained messages against Trump and Elon Musk.
News 5 Investigative Reporter Tara Morgan was on the scene and captured the crowds:
NOW: Thousands lining W. 25 and Lorain. Police on scene keeping watch. Honking and chanting… Massive “Hands Off” Protest in Ohio City. #Cleveland pic.twitter.com/ClDREBsTne
— Tara Morgan 📺 (@taramorganTV) April 5, 2025
Organizers said they wanted to bring attention to what they believe is the destruction of the United States government and economy.
One man, Walter Kisley, said he came out to make a difference.
"Just because we want to do something to make change, and we felt this is the best way to do it, one way to do it besides going to the voting booth," Kisley said.
Hear why Walter Kisley wanted to be at the protest. #Cleveland pic.twitter.com/ieKVhNUlro
— Tara Morgan 📺 (@taramorganTV) April 5, 2025
There was an overflowing crowd chanting, honking and yelling, "We won't back down."
An overflow crowd. Huge!
Cheering, chanting, there’s honking.. Yelling “We won’t back down.”
Ohio City #Cleveland pic.twitter.com/o8vPVzDaT0— Tara Morgan 📺 (@taramorganTV) April 5, 2025
The protests came after Trump announced a wide range of tariffs against countries worldwide on Thursday, making it the market's worst day since March of 2020, during the global pandemic.
News 5 reached out to the Ohio GOP for comment on the rallies but have not yet received a response.
The White House also has not made a comment on the protests.
More photos:
