Protesters gathered in Arizona on Saturday for a protest called “Hands-Off.”
This was part of a national day of opposition to deep cuts to the federal government by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Office of Government Efficiency.
Among other issues, about 2,500 people gathered in front of Flagstaff City Hall to cut healthcare and social security.
It was the city’s biggest protest so far during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Austin Kerr is a school teacher and vice-chairman for the Coconino County Democratic Party.
“It’s a pretty important time to protest the rise of fascism. As an educator, it’s my responsibility to make sure my community is protesting in my classroom or here,” Kerr says.
Kerr says he is concerned about American values and democracy itself is under threat by President Trump.
These concerns were echoed by Flagstaff resident Karen Leroy.
“So many people feel that we need to fight back because it’s harming this and that’s changing our entire lives in America. I think it’s scary,” Leroy says.
At the same time, the organizers say more than 900 people gathered in Uptown Sedona. There, Attorney General Chris Mays spoke to the crowd.
Mays has filed almost 12 lawsuits against the Trump administration.
The event has received nearly 30 protests in Arizona, and more than 1,200 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
