More than 1,000 Join Shasta County’s “Hands Off” Protest Against Trump, Musk

A harmonious, almost jubilant tone pervaded the crowd on April 5 as more than 1,000 community members rallied in downtown Redding to show their opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump. The event was one of at least 1,200 “Hands Off” protests held across the United States. 

Friends greeted friends, coworkers mingled, and faith families caught up as they joined in solidarity against the policies of the new federal administration. Many said they were encouraged by the number of people who attended. Shasta Scout’s count estimated the crowd at 1,200, which is three times the number who showed up to a similar protest in February. 

A woman who asked to be identified only by her first name and last initial said she found the size of the crowd “very heartening”. Katy R explained that her perspective has been influenced by being raised by parents in the legal profession.

“Dinnertime conversations were about no one being above the law,” Katy R said, “whenever a situation came up (they told us) to make sure we relied on the facts and to be very careful about passing judgment and again that no one is above the law, even the president.”

She said she was surprised and encouraged to see so many she recognizes in the community including doctors, nurses and lawyers.

“So for those that like to think that the only people out here are rabble rousers,” Katy continued, “I am seeing lots of people who truly care about this country.”

Protester Demetrius Dumdum helped lead chants during Shasta County’s 2020 protest over George Floyd’s murder. He was out again yesterday with a megaphone, rallying the crowd. In a conversation with Shasta Scout, Dumdum said he and others were protesting against threats to jobs, Social Security, other government programs, and the well-being of veterans, immigrants and people of color.

“I personally feel that they are doing this on purpose”, Dumdum said, referring to recent actions by President Trump and others in the federal administration that have affected the economy. “They want to collapse and crash the economy… it makes it easier for them to get a deeper grip on America.”

But Dumdum also emphasized how proud he felt of the community, especially older residents, for coming out to protest. 

“I know we live in MAGA country”, he continued, “but it’s okay to come outta your houses and say how you feel. Stand on business. Because it’s going to affect everybody. Even those people who are MAGA. A lot of people are already regretting their vote.”

While Dumdum did not choose to obscure his identity at the protest, he said he was concerned about the possible effects that speaking out could have on his professional life. Other protesters who spoke with Shasta Scout did so only on the condition of anonymity.

Some, including a woman who asked to use the pseudonym Ms. Patriot, also wore a mask. Patriot said she’s been impacted by seeing videos of American residents who have been arrested by immigration police.

“I’ve been following closely the stories of doctoral students who have been absconded from their homes and the streets by people who are hiding their identities and it is terrifying to me that the rule of law has been overridden in this country.”

Patriot said she thinks many Americans are currently experiencing something called “betrayal blindness,” a psychological phenomenon which involves choosing to “not know” something you’re aware of, in an attempt to maintain loyalty to an individual or institution. 

“This nation knows that masked people are stealing folks from the streets,” Patriot continued, “but everyone is moving around as if that’s not happening.”

While these kinds of arrests by the federal government have focused so far primarily on those who support Palestinian liberation, Patriot said, she believes it’s only a matter of time before the administration broadens its net to arrest those who protest Trump and his unofficial right-hand man Elon Musk.

“Right now I think we are very close to massive amounts of people, Patriot continued, “who are protesting against this administration… being called terrorists and being absconded by this administration. It’s just a matter of time… I am very frightened.”

A single counter-protester provided the only counter-narrative. Ken Michaud, who applied to become Shasta County’s top election official last year, said he believes within a few years his fellow community members will see what Trump’s done for them.

“I’m just here to support the Trump administration,” Michaud said. “You know it’s not a short-term thing, obviously people are going to take hits, but in the long run the policies are good. Two or three years from now everyone is going to say ‘oh yea, I see what he’s doing.’”

Global tariffs implemented by Trump earlier this week, Michaud said, are “negotiation tactics” that are “for the good of everyone”.

Despite being outnumbered 1,000 to 1 at the protest Michaud said he felt safe and did not experience harassment.

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