CHESTERTOWN — The Democratic Club of Kent County-sponsored “Hands Off!” rally in Chestertown draws poster-carrying protesters to the well-traveled intersection of Cross Street and High Street on Saturday morning, April 5.
Chestertown’s rally was part of a nationwide demonstration against President Donald Trump and his administration, notably senior advisor Elon Musk, who have made sweeping changes to civil rights, health care, immigration policies and the federal workforce since Trump took office in January.
Locally, about 300 people participated, according to Mel Rapelyea, chair of the Kent County Democratic Central Committee.
Urging motorists to honk their horns in support as they passed by, the demonstrators were positioned at the four corners of High and Mill streets, High and Cross streets, and Spring Avenue and state Route 213 (Washington Avenue).
Rapelyea told The Evening Enterprise that he was “extremely pleased, overwhelmed” by the turnout.
The rally in Chestertown was peaceful and orderly, according to Police Chief Ronald Dixon.
Nationwide, “Hands Off!” demonstrations were organized for more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states, the Associated Press reported.
Protests against Trump and Musk also were held in European cities, including London, Paris, Berlin and Lisbon.
— Photo by Trish McGee