HARTFORD, CT — About 1,500 protestors braved a steady April rain Saturday afternoon on the north steps of the Connecticut State Capitol, marching, chanting, and carrying signs as part of the national Hands Off Protest.

The gathering, which Capitol police estimated at about 1,500, aimed to deliver the Hands Off Protest message of the day through chants, carried a unified message delivered out loud and written on poster board:

“Hands off our healthcare. Hands off our schools. Hands off our services. Hands off our rights. Hands off our democracy.”

The rally was one of many as part of a nationwide mobilization led by the 50501 movement. Saturday’s demonstrations were organized mainly in opposition to President Donald Trump’s policy agenda and Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative, which protesters described as a sweeping campaign to weaken federal agencies, eliminate core public services, and roll back civil rights.

Organizers aimed to hold rallies in 1,200 locations across all 50 states. In addition to the Hartford rally, Connecticut protesters also gathered in New Haven, Stamford, Middletown, Guilford, and elsewhere.

“They think we’re going to get exhausted. I’m not exhausted—are you? Are you in this fight with me every day?” said Attorney General William Tong, drawing cheers as one of the openers of the Hartford rally.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, just back from an overnight Senate session, criticized recent legislative efforts in Washington.

“Every one of the amendments we offered last night to protect Medicare, Social Security, our courts, our universities, and our healthcare — every one was voted down by my Republican colleagues,” he said. “They are siding with Donald Trump and Elon Musk.”

Elizabeth Horton Sheff, civil rights leader and the named plaintiff in Connecticut’s landmark Sheff v. O’Neill court case that mandated equal access to quality, integrated public education, addressed attacks on education and democratic participation.

“What we have to realize is that without an educated populace, we have no democracy,” she said. “They want to take our hope, they want to take our joy. Sorry. Hands off.” 

Lisa DelSesto of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut warned of mounting restrictions on reproductive healthcare.

“Twenty-eight states currently restrict abortion care, 13 have total bans,” she said. “Over one-third of reproductive-age women in this country live in states where healthcare is restricted. This is a human rights crisis.”

Leah Juliet, representing Equality Connecticut, focused on the rising hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities.

“There is a war being waged against queer and trans people,” they said. “It is not subtle. It is not quiet. It is violent. Our existence, our right to healthcare, our right to safety, and our ability to participate in public life are under attack.”

B. Rae Perryman, communications director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut, agreed.

“When they say Project 2025, we say ‘project stay alive,’” she said.

Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell framed the moment as part of a generational struggle. He said the administration’s goal is to wear down public engagement.

“My father will be 83 this year. He grew up in the Deep South, in the heart of Jim Crow,” Russell said. “When I think about everything he’s seen — and what we’re seeing now — it’s clear we’re back fighting the same battles,” he said. “Every generation has a responsibility to keep this fight going. These backslides happen when we become complacent. We are not going to let that happen.

Manchester’s poet laureate, Nadia Sims, shared a spoken-word piece titled “Regular Revolutionary.” 

“I don’t need to be rich. But I need to afford my mother’s insulin,” she said.

Bette Marafino, president of the Alliance for Retired Americans, shared the historical impact of Social Security.

“Before Social Security, 49% of seniors lived in poverty. Today it’s 9%. And that’s still too high,” she said. 

State Comptroller Sean Scanlon thanked the crowd for showing up in the rain and acknowledged that everyone, including himself, had a reason for being there Saturday. 

“My five-year-old asked me why I was going to a protest,” he said. “I get a little choked up, because the answer is him.”

Elected officials from the national to the local level rounded out the day’s speakers.

U.S. Congressman John Larson voiced his support for protecting Social Security and Medicare. Local representatives, including Gillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, Robin Comey, D-Branford, Rebecca Martinez, D-Hartford, and Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, voiced their support for continued resistance and legislative action.

“I have a very, very simple message for Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and for JD Vance,” Lesser said. “We are not going anywhere.”

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