April 05, 2025

Thousands of people have flooded onto Boston Common Saturday as part of a nationwide day of protests against President Trump and in support of civil rights.

The rally, dubbed “Hands Off Our Democracy!,” is one of dozens planned across the country. Organized by the 50501 Movement and local sponsors, the goal is to hold a protest in every U.S. state at the same time.

In its call for support, the group states on its website “we will always protect our neighbors, regardless of their race, their gender or sexuality, where they were born, or their choice or lack of religion.”

The gathering was slated to begin at 11 a.m. around Boston Common’s Parkman Bandstand, but protesters started streaming in well before. Many carried signs and flags representing the U.S., Palestinians and Pride. Attendees plan to march to City Hall Plaza where a slate of speakers are expected to address the crowd, including Sen. Ed Markey.

The Dropkick Murphys have also confirmed they’ll be on hand to perform an acoustic set. The venerable punk band has made waves recently. Lead singer Ken Casey challenged a fan in a Trump shirt to check whether his garb was made in America. It wasn’t, and a video capturing the interaction went viral.

A second Massachusetts rally is planned in Eastham on Cape Cod.

The 50501 Movement (the group’s slogan is “50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.”) previously held nationwide rallies, including in Boston, on Presidents’ Day protesting what supporters called anti-democratic and illegal actions by Trump since taking office.

With reporting from WBUR’s Cristela Guerra.