The day of protests, often called "Hands Off!," is taking place in response to a call for action by the 50501 Movement, a national organization that formed in the wake of momentum created by the Fifty State Protest on February 5.
In Denver, some online flyers are reusing the "Remove, Reverse. Reclaim." slogan from other 50501 protests. The 50501 Movement has also labeled it the "People's Veto Day" to "stop the MAGA assault on our country and constitution."
The protest on February 5 brought out more than 5,000 people, and the Presidents' Day protest on February 17 about 3,500 demonstrators. A rally held by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on March 21 boasted around 34,000 people...a record, according to Sanders.
Here's more of what you need to know if you plan on showing up to protest President Trump's policies on April 5.
When Is Denver's Protest?
Denver's protest will be at noon on Saturday, April 5; nearby protests in Arvada, Golden and Highlands Ranch will also start at noon. The Denver protest is expected to last until 4 p.m., according to the permit, but previous 50501 protests in Denver have carried on for hours after their expected stop time.Where is it?
Denver's protests will be on the west lawn at the Colorado State Capitol.Who's Organizing the April 5 Protest?
The 50501 Movement and the Women's March are organizing the protest in Washington, D.C., and calling for protests nationwide. According to the 50501 Movement, the aim of the protest is to take back constitutional rights and freedoms. The national progressive activist group Indivisible, which started in 2016 in reaction to Trump's first term, is also listed on flyers for the protest, along with Political Revolution, a progressive movement started by former members of the 2016 Bernie Sanders presidential campaign.In Denver, the lead organizer for the protest is 50501 Colorado, a local chapter of the national movement. Several other groups are helping, including the Common Ground People's Collective, which organized Colorado's part in the Fifty State Protest on February 5, and the Denver People's March, which took over for the local chapter of the Women's March and has been co-organizing Denver anti-Trump protests since January.
50501 Colorado is helping with protests in other cities, too, including Fort Collins, Pueblo and Colorado Springs. But other groups are in the lead for the protests outside of Denver— mostly local chapters of national organizations like the NAACP, the League of Women Voters and Indivisible.
How to Get Involved
50501 Colorado has an online volunteering sign-up form. The Common Ground People's Collective has a similar online volunteer form, as does the Denver People's March. Protest organizers rely on volunteers for safely leading marches, setting up sound systems and delivering water, food and snacks, among other tasks.What to Know Before You Go
The permit for the April 5 protest in Denver says the action expects upwards of 3,000 people. According to weather forecasts, Saturday is expected to have clear skies, with highs in the 40s.
Denver's large protests have been safe, for the most part. In February, three protesters was harassed when two men drove up to them, yelled and threw a glass bottle; two people have been arrested for that incident.
A handful of protesters were arrested by Denver police at each of the larger protests in February for vandalism, inciting a riot and obstruction of traffic, among other misdemeanor charges.
Denver's large protests have been safe, for the most part. In February, three protesters was harassed when two men drove up to them, yelled and threw a glass bottle; two people have been arrested for that incident.
A handful of protesters were arrested by Denver police at each of the larger protests in February for vandalism, inciting a riot and obstruction of traffic, among other misdemeanor charges.
How to Get There
Denver traffic was impacted during larger protests in February, especially around Lincoln Street, Broadway and Colfax Avenue. Protesters have broken out into marches at those events, too, which backed up traffic. Unless you arrive or leave early, look for a parking spot a few blocks away from the Capitol.
Denver protesters can land a block from the Capitol via RTD bus lines like the 0, 15 and 16 with stops at Colfax Avenue and Broadway or 13th Avenue and Lincoln Street. More bus routes and schedules can be found on RTD's online map.
Denver protesters can land a block from the Capitol via RTD bus lines like the 0, 15 and 16 with stops at Colfax Avenue and Broadway or 13th Avenue and Lincoln Street. More bus routes and schedules can be found on RTD's online map.
Other Protests Happening in Colorado on April 5
Dozens of protests are planned across Colorado on April 5, from Alamosa to Grand Junction to Greeley. You can find the details for your closest protest online, thanks to a "Hands Off!" event listing made by anonymous organizers. Most of the Colorado protests will start at noon.
A handful of protests, including in Grand Junction, Pueblo and Boulder, will start at 1 p.m. The latest protest, in Grand County, will be at 4 p.m.
A few of these cities plan marches tos large streets or through their downtowns. Loveland's protest, which will be one of the earliest in Colorado with a 10 a.m. start time, will rally near Lake Loveland and then march towards a Tesla dealership to merge with a weekly demonstration there.
The Colorado Springs organizers plan to continue the protest onto a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 25. Greeley protesters are expecting "plenty of chances to parade around downtown," according to organizers.
A handful of protests, including in Grand Junction, Pueblo and Boulder, will start at 1 p.m. The latest protest, in Grand County, will be at 4 p.m.
A few of these cities plan marches tos large streets or through their downtowns. Loveland's protest, which will be one of the earliest in Colorado with a 10 a.m. start time, will rally near Lake Loveland and then march towards a Tesla dealership to merge with a weekly demonstration there.
The Colorado Springs organizers plan to continue the protest onto a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 25. Greeley protesters are expecting "plenty of chances to parade around downtown," according to organizers.
